The plan of union: or a history of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the Western Reserve; with biographical sketches of the early missionaries

Columbm ®nit)ergftp

THE LIBRARIES

* THE PLAN OF UNION:

OR

A HISTORY

JE THE PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCHES OF THE WESTERN RESERVE;

WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE

EAELY MISSIONARIES.

BY WILLIAM S. KENNEDY,

AUTHOR OF ** MESSIANIC PROPHBCIES," &C.

" Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths,
where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."

Ji

HUDSON, 0.
PENTAGON STEAM PRESS.

1856.

fSS.JB/

4

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by

WILLIAM S. KENNEDY,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the Northern

District of Ohio.

^ffr/^^

PREFACE

The present can only be understood through a knowledge of
the past; and only by understanding both past and present
can we rightly conduct the future. Where valuable institu-
tions have been laboriously erected, and afterward have fallen
into disrepute, and been misunderstood and reprobated, and
their origin aspersed, there is no better way to learn the truth,
and do justice to them, than to study well their origin and
growth. To furnish facilities for such a study of the churches
and ecclesiasticism of the Reserve, as well as to perpetuate the
memory of good men, and of events connected with the forma-
tion of our social and religious life, is the object of this little
book.

The materials here wrought into narrative have been collected
from sources too^varied to admit of detailed reference to au-
thorities. The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine and a file of
the Ohio Observer, the journals and memories of early mission-

(iii)

iv Preface.

aries and pioneers, and the records of churches and presbyte-
ries, are the general sources from which I have drawn.

The author can not hope that this first effort to write a re-
ligious history of the Reserve is, in all respects, perfect ; but
his aim has been to give the facts in all cases; and such cor-
rections as may be properly suggested to him, shall be carefully
registered, and regarded in a future edition, should there be a
demand for it. That prejudiced partisans and misinformed
outsiders will object to many things here stated, the writer
must expect. But time and candor will verify the record, and
truth will prevail.

CONTENTS.

PART I

CHAP. I. Early Settlement of the Reserve. 7

CHAP. II. First Missionary Efforts U

Uev. Wm.Wick ^4

llev. Joseph Badger 18

Kev. E. F. Chapin 23

Rev. Thomas Ilobbins 24

CHAP. III. Remarkable Revivals 26

CHAP. IV. Presbyterian Missionaries 35

Rev. N. Pettiiiger 3G

Rev. James Boyd 3(5

Rev. Abraham Scott 37

Rev.-s. James Scott and J. Leslie 40

Revs. John Beer and John Bruce 41

Rev. Thomas Barr 41

CHAP. V. Increase of New England Missionaries 55

Rev. David Bacon 55

Rev. N. B. Derrow 56

Rev. Giles H. Cowles 57

Rev. John Field 60

Rev. John Seward * 60

Rev. Harvey Coe C3

Rev. Simeon Woodruff C6

Rev. William Ilanford "2

Rev. Lutlicr Humphrey 76

Rev. Joseph Treat 77

Rev. Caleb Pitkin 79

Statistical Table of Ministers and churches down to 1836.. 82

Statistics and notes of churches down to 1836 94

Later Etatistics down to 1852 130

CONTSNT»,

PAKT II.

CHAP. I. Ecclesiasticism 141

Plan of Union 150

Organization of Churches 155

CHAP. II. Organization of Presbyteries and Synod 160

Presbytery of Grand lliver 168

Articles to regulate Grand River Presbytery 169

Confession of Faith of Grand lliver Presbytery 172

Articles to regulate churches of G. R. Presbytery 175

Presbytery of Huron 180

Organization of the Western Reserve Synod 182

CHAP. III. Congregationalism against the Union 186

The Oberlin Movement 196

Esquire Hudson 204

Congrogationatism and the Presbyterian Excision 205

Congregational State Conference of Ohio 209

Huron Conference 213

CHAP. IV. Presbyterian Assembly against the Union.. 221

The Excision 222

CHAP. V. Couclu^iion of Ecclesiasticism 228

CH.IP. VI. Educational Measures and Institutions 233

Western Reserve College 236

Oberlin Collegiate Institute 244

CHAP. VII. Benevolent Operations 252

Missionary Society of Connecticut 252

American Home Missionary Society 255

Wes. Res. Branch of the American Education Society. ..256
Wes. Res. Agency of the A. B. C. F. M 259

EauATA. — On page 243, ninth line from bottom, for "compressire'*
read "comprehensive ;" and in the eighth line from bottom of samo
page, for "porgress" read **progress."

PART FIRST

EARLY MISSIONARY EFFORTS,

AND

PLANTING OF THE CHUECHES

"The names and memories of the Just
Smell sweet, and blossom in the dust."

1*

CHAPTER I

EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE CONNECTICUT
RESERVE.

The Religious History of a people can not be fully under-
stood without some knowledge of their origin, social character,
and aims. This is pre-eminently true of communities com-
posed of various and heterogeneous elements.

The Western Reserye, or Connecticut Reservation, occupy-
ing the northern and eastern portion of Ohio; extending from
Lake Erie, fifty miles south, upon an average, and from the
Pennsylvania line, westward, about one hundred and twenty
miles 3 was mainly colonized by NewEnglanders : yet the pop-
ulation embraced enough of the more southern element, gene-
rally called the Pennsylvania or Virginia type of society, to
produce some marked social and religious features, wholly un-
like the New England character.

The marriage thus consummated between the Pennamite and
the Yankee, uniting the shrewd enterprise of the latter to the
patient industry of the former, produced that unsurpassed en-
ergy, enterprise, and intelligence, which, notwithstanding its

7

8 The Plan of Union.

moderate natural resources, have given Northern Ohio a pros-
perity and prominence unsurpassed by any region of equal ex-
tent in the whole West.

At the time settlements began to be formed in this region,
there were no roads west of Buffalo, and few boats upon Lake
Erie. The immigrants were obliged to work their way through
the forests, and over the rivers and marshes of the intervening
wilderness, as best they could.

The first settlement in Northern Ohio grew out of a survey-
ing party, sent out from Connecticut and Massachusetts, in
1796, by the New England Association that had purchased
this Reservation. The party arrived at Conneaut on the Fourth
of July, and celebrated the national anniversary in such patri-
otic fashion as circumstances permitted. Their muskets, though
light artillery, awoke a new era in the history of the region,
and introduced the spirit of Seventy-six.

The surveyors were soon followed by Judge James Kings-
bury, with his family, seeking a home in the wilderness. Elijah
Gunn and a Mr. Stiles, whose families had accompanied the sur-
veyors, remained, after the latter returned, in the Fall of ninety-
six, and formed the first settlements upon the Lake Shore.

About the same time that Mr. Kingsbury settled at Conne-
aut and Mr. Stiles at Cleveland, Messrs. Young, Walcot, and
Hillman located at Youngstown, near the south-east corner of
the Reserve. These men came from Pittsburg, and thus
Pennsylvanians and New Englanders planted their settlements,
in the same year, upon different parts of the territory.

Each of the little colonies received yearly accessions. But
as every family of adventurers was anxious to locate upon

Early Settlement. 9

lands purchased in different parts of the Reserve, the immi-
grants scattered themselves over all the region east of the Cuy-
ahoga, and that whole territory was settled almost simultane-
ously, though slowly.

This increased the difficulty of establishing religious institu-
tions, and maintaining public worship, and greatly increased the
privations, dangers, and hardships of the colonists.

The two routes, from Buffalo and Pittsburg, continued to be
traversed by immigrants, most of those from New England
and New York taking the northern route ; though some New
Englanders took the southern way, and mingled with those
who came from Pennsylvania and Virginia.

We can not here delay to recount the privations, hardships,
and sufferings encountered by the pioneers, both on the jour-
ney and after reaching their destination. They were such as
adventurers into solitary and uncultivated wildernesses always
experience. Toil, exposure, hunger, contests with wild beasts
and Indians, the disadvantages of isolation, absence of roads,
and destitution of all the mechanical conveniences found in old
settlements, and, worse than all, in the estimation of many
pious adventurers, the absence of schools, churches, and all
that adorns a civilized and Christian country, entered into the
trials of these pioneers.

In the year 1800, a census was taken, which gave a popula-
tion of 1144. " As yet," writes the Rev. John Seward, from
whose valuable ''Recollections" quotations shall be frequently
made, " no law, civil or military, was known, but every one
proceeded according to his own views of right and wrong ; and
less difficulty was experienced, in this state of things, than

10 The Plan of Union.

might have been expected." In 1800, the whole Reserve was
formed into a county, called Trumbull ; justices' commissions
were issued to several men in different parts of the region, and
quarterly courts appointed at Warren, the county seat. Here,
also, was held the first election, in the Autumn of 1800, to
choose a Representative to the Territorial Legislature.

CHAPTER II

EARLY MISSIONARY EFFORTS.

Amongst the immigrants who settled the Reserve were
many pious people, both from New England and Pennsylvania,
who regarded the destitution of religious privileges amongst
their severest trials; and who, from the first, cherished the
hope of soon building up churches upon the new territory.
Nor were the churches of the East forgetful of their brethren,
scattered over western wilds, "like sheep having no shepherd."

Hence, as early as the fall of 1800, we find two ministers
in the field; the one, Rev. "William Wick, a Presbyterian, belong-
ing to the Synod of Pittsburg ; the other, Rev. Joseph Badger,
a Congregationalist, sent out by the Missionary Society of
Connecticut.

These men, the ministerial pioneers, and true fathers of the
Church of the Reserve, represented the two types of society,
social and religious, that were here brought together. And
happily, both the people and the ministers were free enough
from all clannish and partisan sentiments and feelings, to unite
heartily both in their social and religious enterprises. Mingled

(11)

12 The Plan of Union.

together as were the Yankees and Pennamites, Congregation-
alists and Presbyterians, though remembering their ancestry,
and cherishing their peculiar sentiments and attachments, in
the true spirit of patriotic colonists, and charitable Christians,
they suppressed their individual preferences far enough, to
unite cordially in forming a new society, and harmonious though
peculiar churches.

In their isolation and loneliness, the Christians of the Reserve
were too glad to meet any with whom they could hold Chris-
tian intercourse, to ask particularly after each other's ecclesias-
tical connections and sentiments. And the minister who, com-
ing amongst them, preached " Christ crucified^' did not need to
preach denominationalism, in order to secure their attention
and affection.

In the absence of churches they gathered together in cabin,
shop, or school-house, to mingle their worship and study the
word of Grod. And when a Missionary visited a settlement,
all rallied around him to hear the Word of Life.

The East had indeed sent its sceptics and scoffers and its indif-
ferent worldlings, and backsliders ; and there were not wanting
those who would have gladly excluded the Gospel and its institu-
tions from the region. But the prevailing sentiment was in
favor of sustaining religious services, and building up Christian
institutions.

The only general types of Christians at first found here, were
Presbyterians and Orthodox Congregationalists. Other denom-
inations gradually came in ; the Methodists, particularly, as in
other pioneer regions, bearing a part in the evangelization
of the wilderness.

Early Missionary Efforts. 13

Our object is to trace simply the missionary labors and
successes of the two leading denominations, which in reality
were one. For so heartily did Presbyterians and Congrega-
tionalists unite in their new enterprises, that a diflference was
hardly recognized amongst them. But as each element, though
almost unconciously and insensibly, somewhat colored and
gave character to the institutions and piety of the country, we
should carfully note the origin and ecclesiastical affinities of the
missionaries. What is peculiar in Western Reserve ecclesias-
ticism finds its explanation mainly in the character and habits
of the immigrants and their missionaries.

Ecclesiasticism was a word hardly known or used by the
early Christians and churches of the Reserve. The latter grew
up spontaneously and naturally, under such formative influ-
ences as Godjby his providence threw arround them. The Mis-
sionaries like the early disciples of Christianity, ^^ went every-
where preaching the Word,'^ and collecting the few believers into
groups and churches ; suffering them for the most part to arrange
the minutia of their organizations and discipline, according to
their own convictions, guided by the Word of God, and partly
by their former opinions and practices. Where there were
differing elements and opinions, the effort was invariably made to
secure charity, mutual concession and co-operation.

As we can best understand the work accomplished, by becom-
ing acquainted with the workmen, and following them in their
labors, the reader is now presented with a brief sketch of the
life of each of the early Missionaries, in the order of their ar-
rival, up to the time when the Presbyteries began to be organ-
ized.

2

14 The Plan op Union.

REV. WILLIAM WICK.

The first minister who came to the Western Reserve, so far
as now appears, and also the first who was installed Pastor in
this field, was the Rev. William Wick.

Mr. Wick was born at Southampton, Long Island, in 1768.
He was brought up in New York City, and subsequently re-
moved, with his father's family, to Pennsylvania. He received
his collegiate education at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa.,
and studied Theology with Rev. John McMillan, D. D., be-
ing a member of his first class in Theology. Mr. Wick was
licensed to preach on the 28th of August, 1799, and preached
his first sermon at Youngstown, 0., the field of his future
ministerial labors, upon the first of September following his
licensure.

A church was soon organized, and in the following year
Mr. Wick removed his family to Youngstown, and upon the
third of September, 1800, was ordained and installed as Pastor
of the two churches of Youngstown and Hopewell. To these
churches his labors were mainly devoted ; though a part of his
time was afterward given to missionary labors in the destitute
settlements.

Mr. Wick was connected with Hartford (afterward Beaver)
Presbytery, and the Synod of Pittsburg, as were most of the
early ministers on the Reserve ; that being the nearest eccle-
siastical body with which they could connect.

Probably Mr. W. at first received pecuniary aid from the
Presbytery ; afterward he received an appointment from the
Connecticut Missionary Society.

Early Missionary Efforts. 15

The first intimation discovered of this, is dated April 27,
1807. Rev. Calvin Chapin, of Connecticut, had visited the
Reserve, and through Rev. Mr. Hughes made a proposition to
Hartford Presbytery, in behalf of the Connecticut Missionary
Society, to the effect that, if the Presbytery would furnish
ministers for the Reserve, the Connecticut Society would sup-
port them.

Mr. Chapin writes to Mr. Wick as follows, after expressions
of personal esteem and affection, and some statements relating
to the distribution of books on the Reserve :

" The Trustees feel most deeply for tlie people in New Connecticut.
They appointed a considerable number of missionaries, hoping that
three or four of them would consent to go into your country. But
none have yet consented ; and I can not learn that they will. We will
certainly however send out some as soon as we can find the suitable
men, who are willing to go. But the truth is, our preaching people
in this region have not courage or zeal enough to lead them so far.
They view it as a great undertaking, and say, ' We have missionary
ground enough nearer home.' Nevertheless, Christ will provide for
his flock in that wilderness. I have much hope from the plan which
I suppose Brother Hughes has, before this, presented to your Pres-
bytery, or Synod, or both. I doubt not it meets your approbation,
and will of course have your cordial assistance. Furnish us with
suitable men, and we will pay them as we do our missionaries from
this quarter."

Here we see the spirit of love to Christ, rising above all
local and sectarian prejudice, and drawing together in frater-
nal co-operation, all who were interested to see Christianity ad-
vance upon the new territory. The Connecticut brethren did

61 The Plan of Union.

not think to stop and inquire whether the ^'milk from their
Congregational cows, might not be churned into Presbyterian
butter'' by the Synod of Pittsburg !

Mr. Wick labored some time as a missionary under the pat-
ronage of the Connecticut Society. His last commission, dat-
ed Hartford, Jan. 17, 1815, was as follows :

" Rev. Sir — You are hereby appointed Missionary by the Trustees
of the Missionary Society of Connecticut, for the term of one year,
unless sooner recalled by the Board ; to labor for such a part of the
time as you can be spared from your stated charge, in New Connec-
ticut and such other parts of Ohio, as you shall think it expedient to
visit.

♦*In the name of the Trustees.

"ABEL FLINT, Secretary."

The aboye commission, though not "recalled by the Board,''
was soon recalled by a higher authority. Mr. Wick preached
his last sermon on the 13 th of February following. He was
now in extremely feeble health. At Hopewell the congrega-
tion was invited to his own house, and addressed by him, after
be became too feeble to go out. His death occurred on the
29th of March, 1815, at the age of 48 years.

In person Mr. W. "was tall and thin in flesh." In dispo-
sition he was "calm, mild and amiable, some times sorrowful,
but never angry," says one who had the best opportunity to
know. " In Theology," says the same authority, " he was
what was then called a General Atonement man ; though not
so much a stickler for doctrines, as for consistent practice and
devoted, earnest piety." We hear also of "incidents, straits

Early Missionary Efforts. 17

and trials, when/' says a daughter, " he used to call us around
him and say, ' Let us pray.' "

A paper left by Mr. Wick, entitled, "Articles of Practice
for a Church,'' being probably the one adopted by the churches
organized by him, begins as follows :

'* This Church adopts the regulations proposed by the General As-
sembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, and approved by the
General Association of the State of Connecticut, June 16, 1801, for
the promotion of union and harmony among the people of the new
settlements."

Mrs. Wick "lived till about 1835. She was a woman of
strong faith, clear views, deeply pious, had more than ordina-
ry perseverance, and died as the Christian dies."

As Mr. W. labored part of the time in Pennsylvania, and
had from the first a stated charge, he acted perhaps a less
prominent part in forming the churches on the Reserve, than
some others; but he left his mark, and such an one as a good
man would wish to leave. It is noteworthy that this first min-
ister settled upon the Reserve, was settled for life. Many an
early settler remembers and speaks with aflfection of the min-
isterial labors of good "Willie Wick." Several of his children
are still living. Most of the above facts were furnished by
Calvin Wick, Mrs. Phebe Anderson and Mrs. Eliza AVood,
children of Mr. Wick.

18 The Plan OF Union.

REV. JOSEPH BADOER.

The second minister^ and first regular missionary, upon the
Reserve, was the Rev. Joseph Badger. As there is a biogra-
phy of Mr. Badger extant, the reader is referred to that for
the details of his life and experience.

Having graduated at Yale College, in 1785, when twenty-
eight years of age, Mr. Badger studied Theology with Rev.
Mr. Leavenworth, in Waterbury; and was licensed to preach
in October, 1786. He was settled as a pastor at Blanford,
Mass., until October, 1800, when he was dismissed, to accept
an appointment, under the Connecticut Missionary Society, as
a missionary to the Western Reserve. Leaving his family, he
took the southern route, by Pittsburg, traveling on horseback,
and reached " the cabin" of Rev. Mr. Wick, at Youngstown,
about the last of December. Of Mr. Wick he wrote :

" Mr. Wick was settled in charge of three small settlements, Hope-
well, Neshanoc and Youngstown, a few weeks before I reached the
Reserve. I was received by this brother and his wife as a familiar
friend."

The next Sabbath, the last Sabbath of the year 1800, Mr.
Badger preached his first sermon on the Reserve, at Youngs-
town.

He immediately commenced visiting the little settlements,
and preaching to the few families that composed them. Ver-
non, Warren, Canfield, Poland and Boardman, each of which
contained from three to six families, were successively visited.
He wrote —

Early Missionary Efforts. 19

"Here and there I found professing Christians, mourning the loss
of former privileges, and wondering why they had come to this wil-
derness, where there was no house of worship nor gospel ordinances.
I told them that they had been moved here by the hand of God, to
plant the Chvirch in this wilderness."

In a letter to the Missionary Society, dated June 23, 1801,
he wrote —

*' I have spent my time till now in about twelve townships, in the
south-east part of the Reserve, excepting four Sabbaths spent in
Pennsylvania, after attending Presbytery at Washington, Pa. There
appears a general disposition among the people to hear, and in some
instances real conviction."

We here discover how naturally, and how soon, this New
England missionary began to cultivate Presbjterial acquaint-
ances. Why should he have been seeking ministerial society
and sympathy amongst the Pennamites, or why should they
have welcomed this forerunner of Congregationalism ? Why
did not he and Mr. Wick start rival churches in Youngstown,
and each get his half of the dozen families found there ?
Truly these pioneers were very poor proselyters ! Or, was it
that " the love of Christ constrained them f

Mr. Badger visited the northern and western settlements of
the Reserve, and made a tour to the Indians on the Maumee,
to see what prospects offered for establishing a mission amongst
them. Returning to Hudson in October, and thence striking
across to Austinburg, he organized a church at the latter place
on the 24th of October, consisting of ten male members and
six female. This was the first church organized by a New

20 ThePlan of Union.

England man, on the Reserve; and the second, and only
church after that at Youngstown, organized in this field be-
fore the year 1802. The church at Youngstown was Presby-
terian in form, that at Austinburg Congregational.

Mr. Badger soon returned to New England for his family.

The Trustees of the Missionary Society wrote in reference to
Mr. Badger's tour —

" The call for missionaries to that territory will increase. Another
will be sent as soon as a suitable person can be found for the service,
and two or more missionaries will be kept there continually. Mr.
Badger visited every settlement and almost every family, and all the
schools, catechizing and instructing the children, preaching almost
daily, and performing all kinds of ministerial service. He also occa-
sionally went into Pennsylvania, where he attended two Presbyteries,
preached, and visited families."

At the solicitation of the Society, Mr. Badger, with his wife
and six children, immediately prepared to leave their eastern
home and migrate to the Reserve. The compensation offered
was only seven dollars per week. Having loaded a wagon
with what little furniture and goods could be thus transported,
they started on the 23d of February, 1802, for Austinburg,
by the northern route. Of this tedious, winter journey, much
of the way through unsettled forests, we can imagine the hard-
ships. But the severest trial was that of taking a family of
children beyond the reach of schools, and into savage wilds,
with scarcely means adequate to secure them food and cloth-
ing. Faith equal to Abraham's was needed.

Reaching Austinburg about the last of April, Mr. Badger
secured a lot of land, *' built a cabin of round logs, without a

Early Missionary Efforts. 21

chink, and only floored half over with split stuiF, and partly
roofed with boards from Austin's mill, with no chimney." By
perseverance and toil a quantity of provisions were secured and
a cow purchased. This accomplished, he was ready for another
missionary tour amongst the settlements, upon which he imme-
diately entered. His circuit this time lay through Painesville,
Cleveland, Hudson, and thence eastward to the places where
he first preached, and homeward. We readily conceive the
joy of the pious settlers at his return.

At Hudson he organized a church, in which Deacon Thomp-
son, Esquire Hudson, and twelve other persons were embraced.
This tour was completed in September. Mr. Badger attended
a meeting of the Synod at Pittsburg, upon the last Wednesday
of that month ; and in October returned home " to build a
chimney, chink and plaster the cracks in his cabin, put a floor
over the vacant half, and otherwise prepare his family for win-
ter." This done, he started upon another preaching tour,
which occupied the whole winter. A church was organized at
Poland during this tour. Of course, great toils, hardships and
sufferings were encountered during these peregrinations, of
which the reader may find an account in the Biography.

Under a mistaken view of the destitution and trials of mis-
sionaries on the Reserve, the Trustees of the Connecticut Mis-
sionary Society in January, 1803, voted to reduce their pay to six
dollars per week. Mr. Badger, by letter and through friends,
represented to them the impossibility of supporting his family
on such a salary ; but they persisted in this blind and cruel
policy, and he continued to toil on, amidst all conceivable trials
and straits, until January 1st, 1806, when he felt compelled

22 ThePlanofUnion.

to close bis labors, under the Society of Connecticut and offer
himself to the Western Missionary Society at Pittsburg.
Under their patronage he went as a missionary to the
Wyandotte Indians, in the Sandusky region, where he toiled
faithfully for many years.

For the latter years of his laborious and useful life, es-
pecially at Gustavus, after his return to the Reserve, see Me-
moir. A few paragraphs only need be quoted to show the sen-
timents of this venerable Father upon some of those subjects
which have since distracted our churches. ^' He was a mem-
ber of a Congregational Association in Massachusetts, and
retained his ecclesiastical preferences; yet he was the first to
unite with a Presbytery on the plan of union."

"When the subject of Temperance came up he took an
active part in forming a Temperance Society, pledging the
members to abstinence from ardent spirits as a beverage." His
sentiments on the subject of Americn Slavery are represented
to have been "in decided opposition to it as a sin; a moral and
a natural evil; while he thought that harsh measures and severe
denudations would never induce the slaveholder to relinquish
the right granted to him by the Constitution and the National
Government; and if mild means and moral suasion would not
convince him of the evil, it must remain until some Divine
Providence should interfere. He accordingly said but little on
the subject."

"In the Winter of 1744 he removed to Perrysburg, where
he closed his long and useful life." He was asked a few hours
before his death, if the Saviour was still precious to him ; he
answered in the affirmative.

Early Missionary Efforts. 23

^^ At ten o'clock on Sabbath evening he expired without a strug-
gle, with a smile resting on his countenance, in his ninetieth year."
So sinks the Christian hero, calm and beautiful, to his rest.

Mr. Badger has left us the following tribute to the compan-
ion of his youth, who was ^' taken suddenly ill,'^ in July, 1818,
and after "a few days of painful sickness, departed this life
on the fourth of August.''

" She had endured with unusual fortitude the trials and
privations of leaving her beloved friends in Connecticut, and
removing, in 1802, into this, then almost unbroken, wilderness.
She became a member of the Christian Church in early life,
in the same Society with her father, mother, two brothers,
and two sisters; from whence her relation was transferred to
the church in Blanford, Massachusetts, then to that in Austin-
burg, and from that to Ashtabula, where she closed the days
of her earthly pilgrimage, to join the Church triumphant.
She was a discreet wife, an affectionate mother, a consistent
Christian, beloved as a friend and neighbor. She bore with
Christian fortitude and patience the trials we had to encoun-
ter. On her devolved, almost exclusively, the task of forming
the minds of our children, and storing them with the principles
of piety and virtue ; and this she performed with unwearied fi-
delity.'^ Hallowed be the memory of the first Missionary's
wife, who came to plant roses in our savage wilds.

EEV. E. F. CHAPIN.

In November, 1801, Rev. E. F. Chapin left Hartford,
Connecticut, as a missionary to New Connecticut. He arrived
in December, and from that time till the Spring of 1803,

24 The Plan OP Union.

occupied himself in missionary labors, similar to those per-
formed by Mr. Badger.

September, 1802, Mr. Chapin wrote, after narrating his own
labors : " In places where the ordinances are not administered ;
where the means of Public Worship and religious instruction
are not enjoyed, religion insensibly looses ground; prayer in the
family and closet is generally neglected ; and the consequences
are, infidelity, stupidity and licentiousness. I have been kindly
received in many places which I have visited, and favored with
the best accommodations the country affords.'' In the Spring
of 1803 Mr. Chapin returned to New England, and we hear
of him no more. At the Annual Meeting of the Missionary
Society, in June, 1803, it was resolved to fill Mr. Chapin's
place, and also send a third missionary as soon as possible.

REV. THOMAS ROBBINS.

In May, 1803, Rev. Thomas Robbins was appointed to suc-
ceed Rev. Mr. Chapin. He was ordained on the 20th of July
by the North Consociation of Litchfield, and started West,
instructed to preach by the way. He was detained by sick-
ness in Western Pennsylvania and did not reach the Reserve
until the end of November. He immediately joined Mr.
Badger in his laborious tours and efforts to plant the seed of
truth in the new settlements. About this period churches
were organized at Hartford, Warren and Yernon and a marked
religious interest appeared in nearly all the eastern town-
ships of the Reserve. At Austinburg, Morgan and Harpers-
field, there were cheering revivals, as the result of which
many were added to the church in Austinburg.

CHAPTER III.

REMARKABLE REVIVALS.

The seed scattered bj the missionaries upon this new soil soon
germinated, and produced striking results. Very peculiar
manifestations of religious enthusiasm and intense feeling were
exhibited, which were in accordance with what appeared in
other parts of the country, and which generally appear only
where the G-ospel is newly preached, and attains a sudden and
powerful hold upon the popular mind.

Peter's Pentecost has never been repeated ; yet the first out-
burst of many a peoples' spiritual life, has been almost as re-
markable. The human mind, when first filled by, and given
up to, the great truths of Christianty, like a tree or forest
shaken by a tornado, astonishes the beholder with its strange
exercises and mighty agitations.

In November, 1802, Mr. Badger wrote to the Trustees of the
Connecticut Mission Society, as follows :

"Upon the last Sabbath in August, the Sacramental Supper was ad-
ministered at Toungstown. On Monday near the close of the exercises,
there appeared an unusual movement in the minds of many. It was
3 (25)

26 The Plan of Union.

found afterward, that many were hopefully the subjects of a genviine
awakening, which has since terminated apparently in a saving
change."

Individual cases are described, and the letter then proceeds
to delineate Mr. B's visit to Pittsburg, and some remarkable
revivals that had occurred within the bounds of the Synod.

Beyond the ordinary means of grace, the only instrumen-
talities employed to produce these revivals, were the " Three-
days meetings,'^ or communion seasons, which are described by
Mr. Bobbins in a letter, dated Canfield, December 7, 1803, as
follows :

"The custom of Presbyterians, in this western country, of meeting
in large numbers on sacramental occasions, is an invariable practice.
Dr. Nesbit, of Carlisle, told me it was introduced in Scotland in the
reign of Charles I., when a great number of their ministers were
silenced. One or two would administer to several chui-ches. The
present practice is, to have a Sacrament at every Congregation, once,
and sometimes twice, in a year; generally twice in a minister's charge.

* ' Three or four ministers attend, and the most of the people within
twelve, fifteen or twenty miles.

''Their ordinary custom is to preach Saturday afternoon, twice on the
Sabbath, with the administration of the Supper between ; a prayer
meeting on Sabbath evening, and a sermon on Monday ; after which
the people disperse. The people belonging to the congregation where
the meeting is, all keep open houses for any that come."

" On Thursday preceeding the Sacrament " a fast was gene-
rally observed. At times of peculiar interest, more numerous
and extended meetings were often held, forming a kind of pro-
tracted meetings, similar to what are still held in some places.

R E INI A R K A B L E REVIVALS. 27

In the absence of clmrclics, the woods were frequently re-
sorted to, and the meetings conducted somewhat in the manner
of the Methodist camp-meetings, but in a more quiet and orderly
manner. Thus they illustrated the sentiment of the Poet, who
says, that " the groves were God's first Temple." And, doubt-
less, the meeting of a vast congregation in the primeval forests,
the illumination of such a place at night by candles fastened
to the trees, and fires built around the camp, together with other
animating incidents, greatly hightened the exhilarating and
exciting influences of the services.

Mr. Robbins, in his letter to the Missionary Society, says
of one of these sacramental seasons —

" It was the most solemn scene I ever witnessed. I never conceived
any thing which appeared so much, as some parts of the solemnities,
like the judgment day. The administration of the ordinance lasted
three hours and a half. Mr. Porter fenced the tables, which is done
as follows : — Evei-y communicant previously receives a token, which
is a small piece of lead. This they get by applying to any elders
present, who know them. None may come to the tables without their
tokens. In fencing the tables, the minister shows from Scripture,
who have, and who have not, a right to that holy ordinance. It is an
address to the consciences of those who have received tokens ; that
they may decline, if they do not feel clear to come to the table. But
the principal object in fencing the tables is, to let the world know,
that if wicked men do come to that ordinance, the Scriptures do not
authorize it, nor does the church allow it. The number of communi-
cants was about three hundred."

This was at a church in Pennsylvania. The ministers on
the Reserve frequently assisted those in Pennsylvania, at such

28 The Plan of Union.

seasons; and were in turn assisted by them. By this fraternal
interchange, Presbyterians and Congregationalists were drawn
into closer sympathy.

From a letter written to the editors of the Evangelical Mag-
azine, of Connecticut, from Austinburg, dated Nov. 29, 1803,
we get the following account of the commencement of the
revival in that place. The writer with his family had gone 60
miles into Pennsylvania, to attend a sacramental occasion. Re-
turning home deeply impressed, they appointed a meeting the
same evening :

*' And notwithstanding the shortness of the notice, God so stirred
up the hearts of the people, that more than sixty attended. The
night was spent in prayer. None went from the place. A solemn
night ! A number were deeply impressed in their minds ; some lost
their bodily strength. The next Sabbath Mr. Badger preached with
us. As the assembly was dismissed and began to go out, behold three
young men, each about 16 years of age, were fallen down together
near the door. Some of them had been remarkably careless. They
were in such agony of mind, that every beholder was struck with as-
tonishment. Mr. Badger immediately went to prayer. A number of
young men who had begun to boast of infidel principles, were struck
at that time, and one person fell. Three little girls walking from
the place of meeting with locked arms, fell on the ground and lost
their bodily strength. The night was spent in prayer. At times to
the number of eight lost their bodily strength ; but little was heard
from them except deep sighs. These marks of power are not limited
to awakened sinners. Many Christians, where the work has prevailed,
have also been thus affected under a sense of Divine truth."

Another writes from Austinburg, Nov. 21, 1803 :
<' Such scenes I never saw before. The Lord of all will do just as
he pleases. Many are very thoughtful, some struck down. Some

Remarkable Revivals. 29

appear to be as it were faint, but most are seized with a kind of
convulsions ; some to a very great degree. Some are in that situation
longer than others ; no two alike. After recovering, they appear to
have received no injury from being held to prevent struggling ; and
although entirely helpless, they have a retentive memory, and have
a full knowledge of all that is said or going on near them. Some have
immediate relief, others are in great agonies of mind for many days."

Mr. Badger says of his preaching during this revival —

" I endeavored in all my sermons to hold up to the sinner's mind
the doctrines of total depravity, repentance as a present duty, sub-
mission to God, faith in the Redeemer as the only possible way of
salvation, with practical application. All addresses to the passions
were carefully avoided."

Meetings were held in different neighborhoods, in private
houses, in barns, or in the woods. In some cases infidels and
others, who had mocked and sneered, were seized with the
common convulsions. Mr. Badger continues —

"It has been said by opposers, that New England people would
never become subjects of this falling work; they were better in-
formed. But we begin to have facts alarming to opposers ; education
and strength of intellect were found to be of no avail."

About 40 were added to the church in Austinburg, as the
fruits of this awakening; other churches on the Reserve also re-
ceived additions. In a letter dated July 19, 1803, Mr. Badger
describes scenes similar to the above, which occurred at sacra-
mental seasons, at Salem, and Cross Creek, Pa., which he and
Mr. "Wick attended. As this was before the beginning of the
revival on the Reserve, Mr. Badger says that —
3*

30 The Plan of Union.

" Taking into view the extraordinary circumstances attending the
work, and the clamor raised against it by enemies full of subtlety
and unrighteousness, I determined to spend a Sabbath in each Pres-
bytery," (the Ohio and Erie Presbyteries.)

When they arrived at Salem they found a congregation of
four or five hundred assembled in a grove, where a stand, ta-
bles, sheds and seats had been erected. Mr. Badger says —

" I preached from Luke 11 : 21, 22. Several fell in time of prayer,
and more in time of sermon ; some were greatly agitated, cried out
suddenly as they fell, and for a few moments struggled violently.
After struggling a few moments, they lay for hours more resembling
a dead corpse than living creatures. Others fell without noise or
struggle, and some as suddenly as if they were dead."

At evening Mr. Wick preached. The sermon and devo-
tional exercises were continued till about one o'clock ; many
remaining on the ground all night. The morning service
commenced -with a sermon by Mr. Wick, during which many
fell. About 180 communed, one of whom had to be helped
away from the table on account of his overwlielming impres-
sions.

" A gentleman of education and of medical skill attended through
the whole season, apparently candid, believing he could account for
all the extraordinary exercises on philosophical principles. But on
Monday morning he acknowledged his error, and declared himself
fully convinced that it was, in the main, the work of God, Those who
were distressed complained much of the hardness of their hearts, and
viewed themselves totally opposed to God, and in imminent danger of
eternal ruin. Those who had obtained hopes spoke of the purity of
the law, of the nature and tendency of sin, &c. Many seemed to be

Remarkable Revivals. 31

swallowed up in views of the justice and glory of the Divine govern-
ment, and the plan of salvation."

Similar scenes occurred at Cross Creek, in Erie, afterward
Hartford, and now Beaver, Presbytery, to which Mr. Badger
and Mr. Wick belonged. Here there were about 800 commu-
nicants assembled. And the congregation was so large that
two or three ministers could speak at the same time, in diJBfer-
ent parts of the camp, without disturbing each other. "It was
thought about 5000 people attended.'' Late each evening ef-
forts were made to dismiss the meeting, but they would not
retire, and exercises were continued all night.

A sturdy physician declared that he could easily account for
these phenomena, and repaired to the meeting to confirm his
belief that "only weak women" and men of tender nerves fell.
But he was, during the meeting, himself alarmed from his
security and lost his strength. At first he requested to be
carried away, but soon after exclaimed, " Oh, carry me back,
God is here. I cannot get away from God. I know now that
this is God's work."

Of course these strange operations were the subject of much
curiosity and scepticism amongst people at a distance, as well
as of ridicule by the irreligious at home. The Trustees of
the Connecticut Missionary Society, requested an account of
them from their missionaries and others in whom they could
confide.

Mr. Bobbins, in the letter from which quotations have al-
ready been made, says —

"You once observed to me, you wished to have an account of this
work from one who had been an eye witness, and who was acquainted

32 The Plan of Union.

■with Connecticut ideas, modes of thinking and expression. I conceive
this work in many respects to resemble the great revival in New Eng-
land in 1740-41-42, In extent of territory, it exceeds that. With
respect to the number of subjects in the several societies where the
work is, I believe the present hardly equals the former. The op-
position, ridicule and reproach which the present work receives, are
not less, than in the work of the same spirit sixty years ago. The
manner of the ministers' preaching is also much as it was then —
Calvinistic in sentiment, serious, earnest and pathetic. The state of
society, in these back counties, is, in some aspects, similar to what it
then was in New England. In the general attention and commotion
which are produced among all classes of people, the two cases are
quite similar. If there were any excesses among ministers who were
great instruments in that work, it doubtless was owing to the violent
opposition they experienced. In the present revival I have not known
any thing of the kind ; but they appear to conduct with great moder-
ation and propriety. People at a distance may say what they will,
but when they come to be eye witnesses, every reasonable man is ef-
fectually restrained from declaring it to be any thing but the mighty
power of God.

"It is proper to remark that this work is in many respects mysteri-
ous and remarkable. By far the greater part of those who are sub-
jects of the work fall. But there are many who are evidently made
subjects of the work of the Spirit, and have deep and powerful con-
victions, who do not fall, and are not at all affected that way."

He adds that persons of all classes and characters fall — old
professors of religion, ministers, elders, as well as young con-
verts, impenitent persons, and some who still persevere in a
vicious life.

"Persons fall also on all occasions — most generally at public wor-
ship— frequently at family prayer — sometimes alone — sometimes in
merry company, being suddenly struck by the truth. Sometimes they

Remarkaele Revivals. 33

fall -when they are in their ordinary business. I use the word fall in-
discriminately ; but it must be remembered that the degrees of bodily
affection are indefinitely various — from the least nervous agitation,
every grade to the most violent you can conceive, or to a death-like
■weakness and inaction. The bodily affection is of two kinds — a
loss of the strength, and animal powers; or nervous affection and
convulsions. The latter is much the more common. The duration of
the affection is very diverse ; in some cases it is but a few moments,
in others several hours, or even days. Though they continue this
time without sustenance, they feel no inconvenience afterward ; they
are not sensible of any pain, or any other than mental distress. "When
they are so agitated that two or three persons have to make the
greatest exertions to hold one, and are held by violence, they feel no
soreness afterward. They never lose their senses. Their minds ap-
pear to be more active than ever, and all their powers seem intent
upon the things of religion and the interests of eternity. They are
never in so good a situation to receive instruction. Their minds are
fixed and their memories uncommonly retentive. The ministers uni-
formly inculcate the idea that there is no religion in merel}^ falling
down. Indeed it appears to be nothing more than the effect of the
affection of the mind. All agree, friends and foes, that it is a reality,
and not feigned — nothing which is the effect of design in the subject.
That is placed beyond all doubt.

" The great inquiry in New England is, ' Why do they fall V For
five weeks I took great pains to enable myself to answer this inquiry."

His conviction was that in the case of the impenitent, it
was the overwhelming conviction of their sins and God's holiness
and justice ; and in the case of Christians, some peculiarly clear
and impressive views of the glory of God's character, or of
some feature in the plan of salvation. He says at last, *^ I
will conclude" this subject by observing 'that I firmly believe
this to be a conspicuous and glorious work of divine grace."

34 The Plan OP Union.

I have given these lengthy extracts from Messrs. Badger
and Kobbins, because they were not enthusiasts, but men in
whose cahnness and good sense confidence could be placed.

Of course we do not believe that there was any miraculous
influence exerted; nor that there was any merit or peculiar
advantage in such exhibitions. But we must see in them a
striking exhibition of the power of religious truth when ac-
companied by the Holy Ghost, and brought fairly home upon
the mind.

A curious feature in these exhibitions was the fact, that
"wicked men would be seized with them while sedulously
guarding against an attack, and cursing every jerk when made.'^

The different forms of the affection received from spectators
the facetious names of the falling, the jerking, the rolling, the
running, the dancing and the barking exercises; and lastly
visions and trances. '^

A somewhat humorous account of these exercises may be
found in the Historical Collections of Ohio, page 46.

CHAPTER IV.

PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONARIES.

The departure of Mr. Badger from the Reserve, and the
policy of the Society, which drove him away, was probably a
principal reason why the missionary work in this region rather
declined for a few years; though it was never abandoned.
Probably this partial desertion of the field by New England
Missionaries also led the way for the introduction of more
Presbyterians, as the Synod of Pittsburg occasionally sent
missionaries out, on limited tours, even before Mr. B's depart-
ure. And from that time, to 1812, most of the new laborers
were Presbyterians ; sent out by the Presbyterian Society. Of
course where their influences prevailed, Presbyterian Churches
were organized ; as at Youngstown, Vienna, Poland, Springfield,
Euclid, and Warren, to which Mr. Boyd preached. Generally
the minister had the molding of the church.

Respecting the missionaries who occupied the field from 1804
to 1812, I have been able to collect but few facts. The general
impression is, that they were good pious men, of sound doctrine,
and laborious habits, but not as thoroughly educated, nor per-

(35)

36 TiiE Plan of Union.

haps generally as energetic and enterprising as the New Eng-
land missionaries.

Yet, occupying the field during a period when the churches
were taking form and complexion, their influence was very
important. The Presbyterian features of our^polity were de-
rived from them, as also somewhat of that decided Calvinism,
which has ever characterized the Presbyteries and Synod of the
Reserve.

UEY. NICHOLAS PETTENGER.

Mr. Nicholas Pettenger commenced laboring at Poland in
June 1804 ; and upon the 24th of October following was
ordained by Erie Presbytery, at Westfield Pennsylvania. Mr.
Badger preached the ordination sermon. He complains that
in Mr. Pettenger's trial sermon, '^ there appeared a great want
of theological training.*' Mr. James Boyd was at the same
time and place licensed to preaeh the Gospel.

Mr. Pettenger continued to labor at Poland till 1810, when
he removed to Chilicothe, where he died.

REV. JAMES BOYD.

Mr. Boyd was born in 1773, at Easton Pennsylvania; gra-
duated at JeflFerson College ; studied theology with Dr. McMil-
lan, was licensed by Erie Presbytery in 1804, at Westfield ; and
in 1808 was settled over the three churches of Milton, Newton,
and Warren, ^' in which connection he remained until his death,
which occurred March 8. 1813. Some portion of his time, he
spent as a missionary under the patronage of the Connecticut

Presbyterian Missionaries. 37

Missionary Society. His piety and zeal were highly commended.
" We thought a mighty heap of Mr. Boyd/' said a good hearted
woman in Milton. What better testimonial could a shepherd
desire from his flock ?

REV. ABRAHAM SCOTT.

Rev. Abraham Scott commenced missionary service upon the
Reserve early in 1808. In March of the same year, he was
joined by Rev. Jonathan Leslie. These brethren, though
Presbyterians, were under the patronage of the Connecticut
Society, which as we have seen in a letter to Mr. Wick, was
unable to get men to come here from Connecticut. No wonder,
when six dollars per week was all they offered. In May, the
Trustees passed the following vote :

^' Whereas, Messrs A. Scott, and J. Leslie, are appointed to
labor as Missionaries in the territory called New Connecticut ;
and whereas, it is expedient, in the opinion of this Board, that
they should be ordained as Evangelists :

" Voted, that the Presbytery of Ohio be requested to ordain
them, provided, upon examination, they should be found
qualified for the work of the Ministry ! "

They were, after the usual forms'^of trial, ordained on July
12th. " Rev. Andrew Gwin^preached the ordination sermon,
and Rev. J. McMillan D. D. delivered the charge.'^

Mr. Scott wrote to the Trustees of the Society in Connec-
ticut in 1808, as follows :

"Although there are many things here truly distressing, yet there
are some that are encouraging." (He speaks of "the awful stupidity
of many — the dangerous heresies of others, and the open and blas-
4

38 The Plan OF Union.

phemous infidelity of a few.") *' But I find that, even amongst the
worst, there are some who, at times, are not past feeling. They appear
willing to hear what may be said against them. Not only the seri-
ously inclined, but many others also profess, and, in many respects, evi-
dence, a desire for the Gospel. I have been almost iiniversally received
and treated by all sorts, since I came into this country, with the greatest
civility and friendship. There has been an unexpected attention to,
and, in many places, an apparent solemnity, under, preaching. In-
quiries have frequently been made respecting the prospect of other
missionaries coming into this country. I trust I need not mention the
arrangements, that have been made in almost all the churches here, to
have the Gospel statedly among them. Many settlements that are
unable to support preaching statedly among them, have evinced a de-
sire to have it occasionally, at their own expense. — In other places
where they are able to support it, at least a considerable part of the
time, they have attempted it apparently to very little purpose. The
extreme difficulty of obtaining suitable preachers has been the uniform
cause of their disappointments.

" They appear solicitously to look up to you (the Trustees), as under
Christ, to sympathize, and still continue to do for them in this respect,
thankful for what you have done ; at the same time not doubting but
you are using your utmost efforts, for their spiritual welfare."

Shortly afterward Mr. J. Leslie writes as follows : — ^

"I visit the schools and find them in tolerably good order. In most
of them the Holy Scriptures are read a part of the time ; and some
attention is paid to the Shorter Catechism, though not so much as I
could wish. This perhaps is owing, in some measure, to the want of
books. The attention paid to preaching in every place where I have
been, is a very great encouragememt to me in my labors. I believe
we are not to expect much open opposition from any on the Reserve.
The enemies of the religion of Jesus, find, that to oppose it, destroys
their influence.

"Individuals are in some places awakened and inquiring for salva-

Presbyterian Missionaries. 39

tion. Some few are lying at the threshold of soverign mercy, and two
or three have given recent evidence of having obtained a hope of salva-
tion through Jesus Christ. This appears to be a seed time, but we
want the rain. Unless the influences of the Holy Spirit attend the
means of grace, sinners can not be saved

"Although I have lodged in one hundred and thirty different fami-
lies, I have been uniformly received with respect as a minister of the
Gospel; and especially as one sent by your benevolent Society."

The Trustees in noticing these letters, remark that, ^^ no por-
tion of the vast missionary field in the United States, is sup-
posed to have stronger claims to missionary attention than the
Connecticut Western Reserve. It is calculated that upon that
tract, there are not far from twelve thousand people." (This
estimate was probably too low ; in 1810, the population of the
Reserve was reported to be 16,241). " And there has been be-
fore the present year (1808) but one settled minister of the
Congregational or Presbyterian denomination. Its great dis-
tance has rendered it impossible for the Trustees to employ as
many laborers there as they have wished. But their prospects
in that district are brightening. The Rev. Messrs A. Scott and
J. Leslie have wrought in that field, almost- the whole, and the
Rev. AVm. AVick, a part, of the present season."

"Near the close of last May (1808), the Rev. Enoch Burt was, at
the request of the Trustees, ordained an Evangelist by Fairfied Eastern
District Association, preparatory to a missionary tour through New
Connecticut. From the labors of that mission he returned near the end
of October, having preached forty-one sermons, baptized twentj^-seven
children and one adult; organized one church, once administered the
Lord's Supper, and traveled two hundred and twenty-one miles."

" It is pleasing to add that in several instances the present year, the

40 The Plan of Union.

people of that country have supplied themselves with regular, evan-
gelical preaching, that one minister has been ordained there to a
stated pastoral charge ; and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
church, and the neighboring Presbyteries, have supplied them with
several months of missionary service."

The Trustees add, in tlieir narrative at the close of 1808, that
^' the Rev. James Scott, of Grranville, Ohio, was appointed, in
September, 1808, to labor in the service of the Society such
a part of the time as he can be spared from the people of his
stated charge."

" On the whole in relation to missionary efforts, in New
Connecticut and parts adjacent, you will perceive that they
are in a train of desirable prosperity and success."

REV. MESSRS. JAMES SCOTT AND J. LESLIE.

Respecting Mr. Scott I can learn nothing more than is given
above. Mr. Leslie was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania,
in 1780. He graduated at Jefferson College in 1808; studied
Theology with Rev. J. McMillan, D. D., was licensed in June,
1807 ; came to the Reserve, and was ordained, as we have seen,
in 1808 ; was installed over the church in G-enevaand Harpers-
field in November, 1810; and continued in that connection ten
years. He afterward preached in Batavia and some other
places on the Reserve for a few 3^ears, and then removed to
Centreville, New York, where he died, several years since.

An old acquaintance speaks of him as a very ''clever man,
a Pennamite who .preached in a peculiarly nasal tone, and
was not quite as judicious in some respect^3 as would have been
desirable."

Presbyterian Missionaries, 41

REV. JOHN BEER.

Rev. Jolin Beer was born iu 1772, in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. Without a collegiate education, he studied
Theology with Rev. T. E. Hughes of Beaver County, Pennsyl-
vania; was licensed October, 20th, 1808; received a missionary
appointment for the Reserve early in 1809 ; was settled as pastor
of the church in Springfield, Summit County, for several years;
afterward preached for some time as stated supply in ''Newton,
Trumbull County, and subser{uently was settled south of the
Reserve, in Middle Sandy."

REV. JOHN BRUCE.

Rev. John Bruce was born in New York in 1771; without
a collegiate course, studied Theology with Rev. T. E. Hughes ;
was licensed and commenced preaching at Ellsworth in 1809,
and was pastor of that church five years. '' After his dismis-
sion he preached as stated supply in Newton one year, and
died in that place in November, 1816.''

A cotemporary speaks of him, as "a man of moderate abil-
ities, something of a farmer, in person a heavy man, and
severely afflicted, before his death, with paralysis in his lower
extremities." Difficulties in the church at Ellsworth made
his situation there unpleasant and led to his removal.

REV. THOMAS BARR.

Mr. Badger, in October, 1804, speaks of finding a Mr.
Thomas Barr at Youngstown, "a pious man, determined, if
possible, to get an education in referenc to the work of the
ministry; has a pious, excellent wife and five children."
4*

42 The Plan OF Union.

This man afterward became one of the leading ministers of
the Reserve. Mr. Barr has left an excellent autobiography,
which it is to be hoped may sometime be published. Lest it
should not, extracts are given at some length, condensed and
abridged. His early life is singularly instructive and in-
teresting.

"Mr. Barr was born in Derry, Westmoreland County, Pa,, April 2,
1775. When about two or three years old, his father, Colonel Barr,
was called to serve in the revolutionary struggle, and took his family
to his wife's father's, near Fort Loudon, Franklin County. Here
Thomas was sent to school, and instructed in Dilworth, the Bible, and
the Catechism, which composed the list of school-books used at that
time. The body of truth at that time acquired from the Bible and
Catechism he never lost. It was, indeed, the instrument of early and
pungent convictions ; afterward had some connection with his conver-
sion ; and finally, many years afterward, was of special value to him
as a minister. The absence of the father in the war, and, afterward,
his murder by the Indians, and the stories of British cruelty related
in the boy's hearing, soon fired him with patriotism and abhorrence of
tyranny, producing impressions that time could not eradicate.

"At the close of the war. Col. Barr again retm-ned to Westmore-
land ; but in 1785, going on an expedition down the Ohio, with others,
to negotiate, if possible, with some hostile Indians, he was lost. The
only intelligence ever received of him came from the Indian who after-
ward sold what was judged to be his scalp. We can not linger on the
griefs of the bereaved family. It was Col. Barr's request, expressed
before his departure, that, should he never retm-n, his oldest son,
Thomas, might be ' put to college, to receive a classical education.'
To this the attention of young Barr was frequently turned ; being
fond of books, he was pleased with the suggestion, and property enough
fell to his share to carry out the design.

But such was the reputation of colleges as schools of mischief and

R E V. T II O M A S B A R R . 43

vice, that the considerate guardian set himself resolutely against the
project. 'Without murmuring, yet not without a mental struggle,'
Thomas submitted to the advice of his ' pious and intelligent ' guard-
ian. The substitute fixed upon for a collegiate education was an ap-
prenticeship of five and a half years to a Mr. Pollock, to learn the
carpenter and joiner's trade. 1 hough Mr. Pollock was a worthy man,
his apprentice experienced the common trials of that kind of life ; but
went through his course with honor, won the confidence of his em-
ployer, and, according to his own testimony, proved, by his success,
that perseverance and fidelity may secure success in that for which
one has no natural taste or adaptation.

Much pious counsel and influence were bestowed upou young Barr
by his 'boss ; ' yet, while in his employ, he formed an appetite for ar-
dent spii-its, which came nigh ruining him for time and eternity. It
was the custom of the times to have ardent spirits amongst all work-
men. Mr. Barr's account of his experience, from moderate drinking
to confirmed intemperance, is deeply interesting and instructive. I
ministered peculiar unction and fire to the pleas which he afterward
made for total abstinence.

" Providence provided for his final escape from this evil, by grant-
ing him a guardian angel, in the person of Miss Susannah Welch, to
whom he was married in the Spring of 1797. Within a year from the
time of their marriage, the young wife, led to seriousness by reading
Dodridge's Rise and Progress, ' obtained a good hope of eternal life.'
Her life, henceforth, seems to have been that of the model Christian
wife and mother. In process of time Mr. Barr became pecuniarily in-
volved, sold his interest in Westmoreland, and in the Spring of 1800
removed to Youngstowu, on the Western Reserve. The habit of in-
temperance still grew upon its victim, though frequent efforts were
made to reform. Of course, the pious wife ceased not in her prayers
and efforts to reclaim her husband. Mr. Barr bears the following tes-
timony to her faithfulness, at the time of their removal to the Reserve :
* My wife had now brought me two children. Her counsels and pray-
ers for my good were never withheld, and without entering into the

44 T H E P L A N O F U xN I 0 N .

details of lier patient, prudent, pious efforts, I would say, that, so
far as human instrumentality was concerned in effecting my deliver-
ance, I believe she was the main instrument — and from my own ex-
perience and knowledge of her course, I would say to every wife so
circumstanced, faint not, nor grow weary in well-doing.'

"The year 1800, it will be remembered, was the year in which Rev.
William "Wick commenced his labors at Youngstown. * This,' says
Mr. Barr, ' was a som-ce of great satisfaction to my wife. She be-
came early known and highly esteemed by the pious in the community.
She abated none of her pious and prudent efforts for my spiritual ben-
efit, but as yet, for nearly three years more of anxious and oft disap-
pointed hope, she had to hope against hope.' At the expiration of
that period, during the general religious interest prevailing in that re-
gion, Mr. Barr became serious. Mrs Barr, with a few neighbors,
started a prayer meeting at their house. Mr. Barr for some time tried,
as self-righteous sinners are apt to do, to become a Christian. Gradu-
ally he assumed the duties of family worship, and even led in the
prayer meetings, and was fast becoming self-complacent, and likely to
settle down upon a false hope, when, under peculiar temptation, his
old appetite for alcohol overcame him, and he was led to see his impo-
tence, and in deep self-loathing, to break down in true penitence be-
fore God. ' I was,' says he, ' stripped naked and bare of that good-
ness in which I had trusted. I was self-condemned, overwhelmed
with the vileness and greatness of my sins. Lord save or I perish,
was my only plea.' This was the 'fearful, tremendous, joyful hour'
from which he ever afterward dated his conversion. The providence
of God, in leading him to see the vanity of his self-righteousness, by
lapsing into intoxication, and thence guiding him to a true faith, is
notable. From this time all things were made new. 'Henceforth,'
said he, thirty-two years afterward, ' I have never had any longing
desire or appetite ' for ardent spirits. After seven years of prayer
and anxious effort, the good wife received her reward, in seeing her
husband reformed and pious. ' Entire abstinence ' was ever afterward
Mr. Barr's motto. And he was often deeply grieved to find himself

Rev. Thomas Barr. 45

discouraged and opposed in Ins efforts for this cause, by many ' tem-
perate drinkers, ' who had before reproached him for his intemperance,
and tried to reform him upon the ' moderate ' plan. His firm convic-
tion and testimony -was, that there is safety only in total abstinence.

** ' A longing desire for the salvation of sotds,' now took possession
of Mr. B.'s mind ; and in view of the pressing need of more ministers,
there being onlj two or three Presbyterian or Congregational ministers
on the whole Reserve, and about as many INIethodists and Baptists, he
began seriously to think of the ministry. Mr. Wick and Mr. Badger
encouraged the thought; and, of course, she, who had so long labored
and prayed for his conversion, could desire nothing more earnestly
than this. ' There were however many opposing considerations. I was
nearly thirty years of age, had a wife and five children, also a sister of
my wife's living with us ; had not property sufficient to enable me to
remove and support myself where I might receive, to the best advan-
tage, the education necessary for the work.' But he was not a man
to be kept back by trifles. In accordance with his energetic and de-
cided character, he soon made arrangements to commence his prepar-
atory studies. The little farm was sold for what it would bring ; and
after various discouragements, we find Mr. Barr and his family at
Greensburgh, Pa., ' where was a small Academy under the superin-
tendence of Rev. T. E. Hughes, designed especially for the benefit of
those having the ministry in view.' Here the faithful wife and sister
heartily joined with the father, husband, ;^ brother and student, to
struggle against poverty, and aid him in acquiring an education for
the ministry. One year boarders were taken ; but this proved a los-
ing business ; besides so overtaxing the time of Mr. Barr that, allow-
ing himself only four hours out of 24 for sleep, he was just able to
keep up with his class. ' The next two years ' he wrote — ' I erected
a cabin, with some accommodation, a mile and a half from the village,
and with what I had coming from the sale of my land, was enabled to
continue my studies until I was taken under the care of Presbytery,
as a candidate for licensure.' Of his wife and sister he says — ' they
fainted not, neither grew weary, in using every effort in their power.

46 The Plan OF Union.

of labor, industry, economy, care, covinsel and prayer, to forward me
in my course ; and without this self-denial, work of faith and labor of
love on their part, humanly speaking, I should never have succeeded.'
Sometimes in discouragement he would inform the Rev. Mr. Wick —
' my pious and wise pastor' — that it was (yf no use to go on — his
means would not allow him to go through. But the latter would re-
ply — ' Go on till you come to the stopping place, and then when you
can go no further, it will be time enough to stop.' The advice was
obeyed, albeit under sore trials. Three of the five children had to be
kept at school. Another child was added to the little family, while at
Greensburg. The toils and self-denials of the 'beloved helper,' were
increased by the severe 'sickness of two children;' add a 'miscar-
riage by which she was brought nigh unto death,' and a fall from a
horse, by which Mr, Barr was rendered for some time insensible, and
a much longer time * unable to attend to any thing ;' and we can read-
ily see how it was ' a wonder to many, ' that they were ' supported and
carried through.' Some assistance was secured during the latter part
of the course, through the efforts of Mr. Hughes, of whose friendship
Mr. Barr speaks in the warmest and highest temns. The charming
family meetings where they two used to meet and ' pray together,
with and for their dear children,' must not be forgotten.

"Finally the ordeal was passed, and Mr. Barr was licensed to
preach, by the Hartford Presbytery, at their meeting in Brookfield,
Trumbull Co., Sept., 1809.

"After visiting Westmoreland, and receiving from old friends a
present of a horse, some months were spent in itinerating on the Re-
serve, traveling through the woods, through storm and cold, mud and
'beech roots,' preaching from house to house, and in school-houses,
after the manner of those days. Mr. Barr had made up his mind to
go to the Sciota and Miami vallies, where he heard that there were
a number of vacancies. But this purpose was defeated, and an ur-
gent call given him to settle in Euclid, which he at length accepted.
The engagement at Euclid covered only half the time; the rest was to
Ite employed in missionary labors under the patronage of the Connect-

K E V . Thomas 13 a r r . 47

icut Missionary Society. Mr. Barr speaks in high terms of the ef-
forts of this Society, ascribing it to their fostering aid, thai the Reserve
80 early became far better supplied with ministers and churches, than
any other part_,of the State.

" At the time of Mr. Barr's settlement in Euclid, the township con-
tained ' about thirty families.' 'Most of these were favorable to re-
ligious society, though several of them were infidels or universalists.
The members of the church, when I visited it were, all of them, origin-
ally Presbyterians ; but when first organized there were two families
originally Congregationalists among them ; so they adopted the mixed
plan entered into between Presbyterians and Congregationalists in
1801. These two families had now moved to other places. ' This left
the way clear for the adoption of pure Presbyterianism, which was
afterwards done through Mr. Barr's influence. We shall see that he
is to be regarded as the principal father and defender of Presbyterian-
ism on the Reserve. The man who works his way into the ministry
as Mr. Barr did, may be expected to hold his opinions firmly, and to
be a leader, who will leave his mark where he goes. Such at least
was Mr. Barr.

" Through the assistance of the people at Euclid, a cabin was erected
for Mr. Barr's familj', upon a piece of land which he bought, near the
spot where it was designed, sometime, to erect a church. They
moved to this place in June, 1810, and Mr. Barr was ordained and
installed in August of the same year. His family at this time con-
sisted of nine persons, five sons, one daughter (a second daughter
had been buried at the age of four years), and the sister of Mrs. Barr,
who still remained with them, sharing through life the toils and trials
of the missionary brother and sister. The salary upon which this
family of nine persons were settled was, from the Church in Euclid,
$180, from the Missionary Society $200. 'It will be supposed,'
writes Mr. Barr, 'that our means of sustenance were small. Our
oldest child, a son, was twelve years old, our youngest four. We had
three cows, and one horse ; we sat down in the woods, not even a
garden spot was cleared oflF when we entered our cabin, without any

48 The Plan of Union.

floor but the earth.' During the few years that intervened before the
little boys, aided by their father, when occasionally he [could be at
home and help them, could clear off a few acres of land on which to
raise their^bread ; says Mr. Barr, ' I never got a bushel of wheat under
two dollars, corn generally seventy-five cents, and fresh pork from
eight to ten dollars per cwt., other things in proportion. In such cir-
cumstances I labored in the ministry at-home and abroad, in all parts
of the Reserve, for seven years in succession; then for about two
years and a half I missionated but little, being one year half my time
in Newburgh, one year half the time at Cleveland, and for six months
half my time near Painesville. In my ^missionary excursions, I usu-
ally averaged five or six sermons a week, besides family and school
visits ; for I endeavored, wherever there were schools, to visit them,
address the children, and pray with them. I was sometimes oppressed
with calls to preach funeral sermons at a distance even of thirty miles
from home. Persons who would never think of calling for the minis-
ter to visit, converse and pray with their f^^sick while living, now that
they were dead, could not endure the thought of burying them with-
out a funeral sermon. For a number of years after I was settled,
there was no minister on the Lake Shore, nearer than forty or fifty
miles ; nor for two or three years, any on the south nearer than forty
miles. Hence I was often called upon for this (funeral) service. At
times, when the minister had just retm-ned from a long tedious tour,
weary and worn, and was about to make some provision for the comfort
of his destitute family, an urgent call would come for a funeral sermon
ten miles off; and no apology or excuse could avail ; he must go.'

' ' Speaking of this laborious period of his ministry, Mr. Barr says —
' The Lord in his providence previously disciplined me for my labori-
ous service, and carried me with an uninjured constitution through
the whole. I believe, too, the Lord owned and blessed my labors in
many places, and to many individuals. The day will declare it ; my
work is with my God. The little church in Euclid grew, and, although
several deaths of members occurred, increased from twelve to between
forty and fifty members in the course of about three years ; the youth

llEV. Thomas Barr. 49

and children were instructed in tlie catechism ; public worship was
well attended on the Sabbath ; schools were in a good condition, and
the state of morals and order in the society conspicuously superior to
any other in all the region.'

"The prosperity of the little parish soon, however, received a seri-
ous check, upon the breaking out of the war of 1811. Many of the
inhabitants were soon ' on the wing.' At one time, under the influ-
ence of a false alarm that the enemy were landing at Cleveland, the
whole community, pastor and all, hastily packed what they could of
their goods, and betook themselves to flight. The roads were almost
impassable; they, however, advanced but a few miles before learning
the mistake relative to the enemy ; whereupon they very gladly re-
turned home.

"Afterward Mr. Barr pi'oposed to remove his family to a place of
greater safety, while he remained with the remnant of the flock in
the wilderness. But the faithful wife and sister would not consent to
a separation. The good providence of God kept the enemy from in-
vading the place, and preserved the little church and its pastor.

" But a fatal arrow visited the parsonage on the ninth of October,
1812, releasing the toil-worn wife and mother from her service, and
leaving the rest in mourning. The account of this bereavement may
be best given in Mr. Barr's own words : — ' The second of October my
wife was delivered of a son ; was well as usual until the third day,
after which the puerperal fever commenced, and carried her ofi" on the
ninth of the month, her babe being only seven days old. This was to
me a sore calamity. Valued justly as she had ever been by many, I
felt and knew a value in her beyond what others did or could. In ad-
dition to her efi^orts for my conversion, she well answered to God's
original design of being indeed an " help-meet for man." She was not
only the mother, but the pious, faithful, affectionate trainer up of my
children in the way that they should go. From the circumstances of
my life, first working at my trade, oft from home, next when pursuing
studies, and lastly my ministerial labors keeping me from home half of
the time, this important duty devolved mainly upon her. She knew and

5

50 The Plan of Union.

felt its importance, felt her own insufficiency, girded herself to the work
in the name of the Lord, to him she looked for aid, and offered up many
prayers with strong crying and tears for the spiritual welfare of her
children. Of these agonies of her soul they were frequently the wit-
nesses as well as the subjects. For in addition to those many seasons
in which she daily kneeled and prayed with them around the family
altar, she often retired to some sequestered spot with one or more of
them, there in a special manner to commend their case to God. Those
of them thus privileged can never forget those tender, solemn and im-
pressive scenes.'

" Several of these children early gave evidence of piety. Joseph,
the second son, prepared for the ministry and received an appointment
as a missionary to Western Africa, but was suddenly cut off by cholera,
at Richmond, Va., Oct. 28, 1832. Thomas, another of the sons, is
now in the ministry. John, the third, is well known as a lawyer in
Cleveland. Mary, the only daughter, made a profession of religion
at twelve ; and ' aiming to walk in the steps of her good mother, has
also been permitted to see her own eldest child, a daugher, giving
evidence of piety at about the same age.'

*'Mrs. Barr 'died as she had lived, in the exercise of a humble,
spiritual faith and hope. At the hour of her departure, the family
being gathered around her, she addressed the children most solemnly
and affectionately, enjoining upon them to meet her at the right hand
of the Judge at the last day. Her last words to me,' says Mr. Barr,
* were — Be faithful in the ministry, especially be mindful to warn
parents of their duty to their children. She closed the scene with a
most appropriate and fervent prayer, and in a few moments breathed
her soul into the hands of her Redeemer.' "

Thus closed that beautiful and heroic life. Let her success-
ors cherish her fragrant memory, and in her faithful life read
the true mission and noble destiny of woman.

For the next four years the bereaved father toiled on alone

Rev. ThoiMAS Barr. 61

with his motherless children. In 1816, he was again married,
to Mrs. Ann Emmett Baldwin, who also proved to be one of
the faithful and excellent of the earth.

By his first wife, Mr. Barr had nine children, six of whom
were living in 1833, at the time of writing his ^^iography.
By the second wife he had ten, eight of whom were living at
the same date. We readily see that to support such a family,
upon such a salary as ministers generally receive, must have
required almost superhuman fortitude, economy and self-de-
nial, on the part of both husband and wife. Mr. Barr's sec-
ond wife had almost equal toils with the first, without the
aid of a devoted sister. Of her, also, he testifies that having the
responsibility of training up the children mainly devolved upon
her, "with all the domestic concerns of the family of every
kind, in these trials and labors she hath acquitted herself with
great fidelity, wisdom and piety. Daily family worship, and
the important catechetical exercises of the Sabbath have been
maintained whether I was at home or abroad.^' As Mr. Barr
was most of the time either a missionary or an agent, he was
necessarily much from home. "Ah," exclaims he, "how little
do most of the members of our congregations know of the la-
bors, privations, trials and various hardships of the wives of
ministers. Too often, instead of stepping in, as the members
of a congregation in numerous ways might do, to cheer the
heart and lighten the burden of a minister's wife, laboring to
her utmost that her husband may be acceptable and useful,
too often instead of relieving, they add to a burden too heavy
now to be borne, by cold, unkind neglect, or by uncharitable,
unjust and ignorant censures. Of all classes of wives, those

52 T H E P L A N O F U N I 0 N.

of drunkards excepted, the wives of poor ministers, with large
families and small salaries, have the hardest earthly lot. But
great shall be the reward in heaven of every such pious wo-
man, who, in obscurity, poverty, toil and neglect, if not scorn,
yet in faith, hope and love, struggles hard to encourage the
heart and strengthen the hands of the husband, that so he
maybe a ^ good minister of Jesus Christ.' '^ To all which,
who does not respond, Amen ?

At the close of the war and shortly after the organization
of the Grand River Presbytery, of which Mr. Barr was, in a
sense, the father, he went as a delegate to the G-eneral Assem-
bly ; and spent a few weeks in soliciting funds for the erection
of a church in Euclid. He raised $800. Encouraged by this,
the people went forward and '' erected a good two story frame
building, with a steeple," the same I believe that is now used
in that place, and the first of its kind ever built on the Reserve.

An account of Mr. Rarr's agency, in the formation of the
Presbytery, will be found elsewhere in this history. His dis-
satisfaction and disappointment at not securing pure Presby-
terianism, was one of the prominent reasons that induced him
eventually to seek a field of labor south of the Reserve. His
dismission from Euclid occurred in February, 1820. Imme-
diately afterward he removed to Wooster, Wayne County, and
was installed over the two churches in Wooster and Apple
Creek. Here he labored efiiciently and successfully for sev-
eral years, though much embarrassed, by the failure of the
people to meet their engagements as to salary, A prominent
reason for his eventual separation from these churches was the
influence of a certain itinerant evaugehst, who was injudi-

Key. Thomas 13 a r r . 53

ciously admitted to the churches, to hold a kind of protracted
meeting. Proceeding upon the high pressure system, which
generally characterizes that class of irresponsible agents, the
common evils resulted from this mau's labors. Mr. Barr, like
many others who have seen the fruits of such efforts and agents,
records his testimony against them.

Another reason that operated for the close of Mr. Barr's
connection with these churches, was the failure of his health,
and the thought that perhaps traveling might restore it. A
journey to Philadelphia, as Commissioner to the General As-
sembly, in 1828, encouraged him. Shortly afterward he re-
ceived an urgent solicitation to undertake an agency for the
General Assembly's Board of Missions. This was accepted,
and in his new employment, he found a cure for dyspepsia, a
pleasant field of labor, and proved an efficient and successful
worker.

After the close of this agency, Mr. Barr preached awhile in
Kushville, Indiana, where, on the 28th of xVugust, 1835, he
died in the GOth year of his age. His excellent partner still
lives, I think, in Fairfield, Iowa.

The brave and good man whom we have followed so far, is,
these many years, '^ asleep in Jesus.'' But his influence and
memory live. His hard, earnest life, has left cheering foot-
prints. Let it never be forgotten that it was in part by his
self-denying toil, that our wilderness was made to blossom as
the rose. And especially let the young man, who stands with
irresolute step, at the threshhold of life, beset by a dangerous
appetite, learn here how to subdue the tempter, and become
a blessing to his age.
5*

54 The Plan or Union.

Old acquaintances speak of Mr. Barr as a good and effective
speaker, a very decided and somewhat headstrong man, and a
rather ultra Presbyterian ; but all testify to his piety and zeal
for God.

The exceeding interest and value of Mr. Barr's autobiogra-
phy, and the fear that it may never be published, must excuse
the length of this sketch, compared with the meager notice
given of many of his cotemporaries, who left no such record.

CHAPTER V

INCREASE OF NEW ENGLAND MISSIONARIES.

At length the Connecticut Society began to find more New
England ministers ready to venture into the far west, and
henceforth the Congregational element gained upon the Pres-
byterian.

REV. DAVID BACON.

Rev. David Bacon, father of Leonard Bacon, D. D., of Con-
necticut, was born at Woodstock, Ct., in the year 1770. He
studied Theology with the Rev. Levi Hart, D. D., and served
for several years as a missionary amongst the Indians at De-
troit. In the fall of 1807, he commenced a settlement in
Talmadge, Summit Co., 0. Assisted by one E. Frink, he
erected a log house on the south line, half a mile west of the
north and south center road.

"As soon as there were any inhabitants for hearers, he
commenced preaching, organized a church in his own house,
Jan 1, 1809 ;'' and continued to labor for its growth and the
prosperity of the town until Jan. 1, 1812. About that time
he removed to New England, and in August, 1817, died at
(55)

56 The Plan of Union,

Hartfordj Ct. The church in Tahiiadge, and the orderly char-
acter, marked intelligence, and prosperity of the people, have
ever been standing monuments of the advantages of a settle-
ment begun by a Christian minister.

Those who pass through the village of Talmadge, may see
a curious illustration of Mr. Bacon's geometrical planning in
the convergence at that point, of roads from eight points of the
compass.

REV. N. B. DERROW.

Rev. Nathan B. Perrow, was born at New London, Ct., in
1773, studied at Hamilton College, and afterward studied
Theology at Clinton, N. Y. ; was licensed by the Oneida As-
sociation in 1801 ; received a missionary appointment in the
Spring of 1809 ; was employed as stated supply at Painesville,
in June, 1810, and installed pastor of the church at Vienna,
in 1811, where he remained four years. He then left the Re-
serve,, buried his wife during his absence, returned after six
years, and was reinstalled over the Vienna church ; and con-
tinued until his death, in 1828. He was called an eccentric
man, but his Vienna pastorate speaks well for his fidelity.

In the Spring of 1810, the "Western Reserve Mission re-
ceived an invaluable addition in the person of Rev. Giles H.
Cowles, D. D. Indeed this was the beginning of a new era
in the history of this region. Mr. Cowles was the first of a
constellation of ministers from New England, that soon en-
tered the field ; bringing with them, if not deeper piety, at
least an invincible energy and perseverance, and an intellectual
and theological culture unequalled by most of their predeces-

Increase of Missionaries. 57

sors. This department of our subject shall be closed with
brief sketches of the lives and services of Rev. iMessrs. Cowles,
Seward, Woodruff, Ilanford, H. Coe, Treat, Pitkin, and two
or three others who entered the field between 1810 and 1816 ;
and who were permitted by Providence here to labor long and
successfully, and establish the religious and educational insti-
tutions of the Reserve on a permanent and comprehensive
basis. From these men, perhaps more than from any others,
the church of the Reserve has taken its character; and to
them under God is most largely indebted for the richest of
her history.

Several of these fathers have, or have left, diaries and other
material, from which it is to be hoped satisfactory biographies
may be hereafter constructed and published.

The present writer regrets that he could not, amid the cares
and labors of his pastoral charge, find time to enter upon this
pleasant task, so as to furnish adequate sketches. But he
trusts that the work will be better done by some other person,
in due time. Let those journals be sacredly preserved.

REY. GILES HOOKER COWLES, D. D.

One of the most efficient and notable of the early mission-
aries was Dr. G. H, Cowles.

Mr. Cowles wasborji at Farmington, Connecticut, in August,
1766. Upon his mother's side, he was a lineal descendant of
Rev. Thomas Hooker, D. D. He was educated at Yule Col-
lege; after graduation taught school one year, at North Salem,
New York, and then studied Theology with Rev. Jonathan
Edwards, D. D., and was licensed to preach by the New

58 The Plan op Union.

Haveh West Association in May, 1791. He preached a short
time in Vermont; and declined a call for settlement in that
State. On the 17th of October 1792, he was ordained as pastor
of the church in New Cambridge, near Bristol.

In 1799 a powerful revival of religion occurred in his parish,
and about one hundred persons were added to his church, as
its fruits. Other seasons of marked religious interest also
occurred during that pastorate.

Mr. Cowles continued pastor of this church nearly eighteen
years ; and in May, 1810, with mutual consent and good feel-
ing on the part of both pastor and people, he was dismissed,
and accepted an appointment to spend the following summer,
as a missionary to the Western Reserve.

Returning in the fall, he labored during the winter in Groshen,
Litchfield County, and in May, 1811 started with his family
to Ohio. He reached Austinburg in June; and upon the
25th of September was installed pastor of the united societies
of Austinburg and Morgan.

The council called for his installation consisted of Rev. Jos.
Badger of Ashtabula, J. Leslie of Harperstield, T. Barr, of Eu-
clid, J. Beers, of Springfield, N. B. Derrow, of Vienna, and Rev.
Mr. Spencer of Fredonia, N. Y. These brethren constituted
probably the entire ministry of the Reserve at that time.

Although installed over these two churches, he spent much
of his time as an itinerant missionary ', and assisted in organ-
izing fifteen churches on the Reserve.

He took an active part in the organization of the first
Presbytery in this region; and was an efficient helper in
founding the Western Reserve College, in which he felt the

Increasi: of Missionaries. 69

liveliest interest, as the hope of the churches for ministers.
He discharged faithfully the duties of a pastor to his charge at
Austinburg until February 3d, 1830 ; making his second pas-
torate a trifle longer than the first.

In 1816, a powerful revival occurred in Austinburg and
adjoining towns, under Mr. Cowles' preaching, and about
one hundred converts were added to the Austinburg church.
Other awakenings, less marked followed at different times.
His labors were remarkably successful ; and he must be long
remembered as the ftither of many of the churches in Ashtabula.

After his dismission from this charge, he still resided at
Austinburg, and labored faithfully as a missionary amongst
the feeble churches, until April, 1834, when failing health
compelled him to desist. He died July 5th, 1835, aged
sixty-nine; lamented by his brethren in the ministry and by
the churches generally.'^

"His death, like his life, was peaceful, serene and happy.
The mild virtues of the Gospel adorned bis life, and shone
forth yet more benignantly as he drew near the grave." As
a Christian, he was meek and humble ; as a minister he was
faithful and untiring, ever watching as one that must give
account; as a theologian sound and systematic; judicious and
conciliatory as a counselor; his labors could not fail to be use-
ful to the Churcb and the world. '^ ^^ Mark the perfect man
and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.''

February 5th, 1793, Mr. Cowles was married to Sally White,
of Stamford, Connecticut. They had five sons and four daugh-
ters. The third son died, at twenty-one years of age, the
others arc all still living.

GO The Plan of Union.

Mrs. Cowles' death occurred in August 1830, five years
before that of her husband. Her children are her monument.

The above narrative is compiled partly from Mr. Clarke's
notes, and partly from facts furnished by Dr. Cowles of Cleve-
land, a son of Rev. G. H. Cowles. Some of the family still
live in Austinburg.

REV. JOHN FIELD.

Rev. John Field, of Hard wick, Mass., born 1780, graduated
at William's College in 1807, . was ordained by an Association
in Massachusetts, and came to the "Western Reserve as a mis-
sionary, in the winter of 1810-11. Desiring to enlarge his
knowedge of the country he travelled over a larger territory
than other missionaries of the same period ; and seems to have
had no permanent settlement until the fall of 1823, when he
engaged for one year at Atwater, Portage Co. After the ex-
piration of that year he '' removed into one of the southern
states, where he taught school for a time, and died near Natchez,
on the 7th of August, 1827. '^

The Directors of the Connecticut Missionary Society, in their
report for the year 1812, say of him : — " Mr. Field resides in
Burton, and from that place makes frequent excursions into
the destitute settlements. With much self-distrust and appar-
ent humility, he has labored in season and out of season, ac-
cording to his ability and health."

REY. JOHN SEWARD.

One of the most estimable of the venerable fathers of the
church of the Reserve, is the Rev. John Seward ; who still

Increase of Missionaries. 01

lives to eonuect the past aud the present, niiuistering, as in
early days, to " the few .'^heep in the wilderness."

Mr. Seward was born in Granville, Mass., in 1784. He
graduated at Williams College in the year 1810; studied The-
ology with Rev. Ebenezer Porter, D. D., then of Washington,
Ot., and "came to Ohio in Oct., 1811 ; under the patronage of
the Connecticut Missionary Society." At the time of his ar-
rival, there " were but eight ministers upon the Reserve."

He commenced his labors, as did most of the early ministers,
as an itinerant missionary; but within a year after his arrival,
he received and accepted a call for settlement, as pastor of the
church at Aurora, Portage Co. His installation occurred Au-
gust 5, 181*2. The church at Aurora had been organized three
years before. Mr. Seward was its first pastor ; and the rela-
tionship continued with mutual aflx3ction and confklence for the
third of a century. Large numbers were added to the church
under his ministry ; and the advantages of a permanent pastor-
ship were very evident, in its prosperity.

If there were any fault in Mr. Seward as a pastor, it was in
his extreme leniency and tenderness for his flock, particularly
in respect to his own pecuniary dues. Having a small family and
economical habits, he indulged his people in curtailing his sti-
pends, until his charity well nigh superseded and eradicated theirs.

After his settlement at Aurora, Mr. Seward still performed
much missionary labor in adjacent towns ; and was truly a
father to many churches ; of which ho assisted in organizing
at least fourteen.

He was also a prominent agent in all ecclesiastical, benevo-
lent and educational movements of general interest and utility;

t;

G2 T II E P L A N O F U N I 0 N .

and did perhaps as much as any other to mold the sentiment
and institutions of all this region.

Wielding a facile pen, and ever observant of the course of
things upon the Heserve, sound in judgment, conservative iu
sentiment, zealous for the cause of true religion, and earnest
yet tender in his persuasions and expostulations, Mr. Se^vard
probably exerted more influence upon the churches through
the press, than any of his fellow laborers. He has also re-
corded much historical matter, relative to the settlement of
the Reserve, and the experience of early immigrants, of great
interest and value. It is much to be regretted that Mr.
Seward has not written a full histf.ry, which should supersede
the present effort. Many of the facts contained in this work
were furnished by him -, and from his journal, and the journals
of other early missionaries, it is to be hoped,, that valuable
treasures may yet be gleaned, for the benefit of posterity.

These journals will be found peculiarly rich in illustrations
of the self-denying, persevering toils, and extreme privations
incurred by those v/ho planted and nurtured our churches iu
their inftmcy. The present and future churches and ministers
of this region, would be greatly interested and profited by the
perusal of full biographies, and specimen sermons of these fa-
thers, whose voices are failing, and will soon cease to be heard
amongst us.

Special notice should here be taken of Mr. Seward's con-
nection with the Western Reserve College ; of which he has
been a Trustee, from the beginning until very recently. In
all its history he has borne a part ; and probably it has from
no one received more earnest sympathy and good will.

Increase of Missionaries. 63

In ecclesiastical sentiment and feeling, Mr. Seward lias ever
been a Congregationalist ; yet be entered beartily and sincerely
into tbe plan of union ; and remained a fast friend of tbe
AVestern Reserve Synod, and a regular attendant upon its
convocations, until witbin a year or two.

Shortly after bis settlement at Aurora, Mr. Seward married
Miss Wright, daugbter of Esquire Wright, of Talmadge.
Tbougb never blest witb children, tbey two still walk band
in band, similar in amiability and meekness, and admirably
adapted to support and cbeer eacb otber. '^ Lovely in their
lives," may tbey " in death not be divided." Many are tbe
spiritual cbildren, wbo sball rise up to call them blessed.

REV. HARVEY COE.

Rev Harvey Coe was born at G-ranville, Massacbusetts,
October 6tb, 1785. He graduated at Williams College, Sep-
tember, 1811 ; studied Tbeology witb Rev. Dr. Fitcb and Dr.
Cooley, and was licensed to preacb at Monson, Massacbusetts,
October 1812.

Tbe Winter after bis licensure Mr. Coe preacbed atSoutbwick
and Sbefficld, and was solicited to settle as pastor at tbe latter
place. But liaving turned his attention to Ohio, be was
ordained at Westfield in May, 1813, as a missionary, and im*
mediately set out for New Connecticut, under tbe patronage of
tbe Connecticut Missionary Society. He reacbed tbe Reserve
and commenced bis labors in June 1813, and spent most of
tbe year as an itinerant, visiting most, if not all, of tbe infant
cburcbes, and assisted in organizing some new ones. In jVpril
1814, Mr. Coe was installed pastor of tbe cburcb and united

64 The Plan of Union.

congregations of Hartford, Vernon, Kinsman and Gustavus.
These towns united into one church, consisting of about forty
members, at the time of Mr. Coe's installation ; but they had
three preaching stations, at each of which he alternately
preached.

Mr, Coe was the first minister settled in Northern Ohio, for
the whole of his time and labors. During a visit made by
him to New England for the purpose of bringing Mrs. Coe to
her new home, '^the Kinsman Society built a small meeting
house, which was the first building erected in Northern Ohio
exclusively for the worship of Grod, made of any better mate-
rials than logs."

Of his field and labors here Mr. Coe writes as follows : ^' My
pastoral charge embraced territory enough to constitute a mis-
sionary field, and my labors were yery great and exhausting
in my own charge. But God greatly blessed them. We lived
in great harmony and frequently enjoyed refreshings from the
presence of the Lord. In the Winter of 1 820 we had a very
powerful revival, which extended through my whole charge;
as its fruits about one hundred and seventy-five were added to
the church." In consequence of excessive labors, Mr. Coe's
health failed, and he was obliged to spend the summer of 1822
in traveling. By this time the united church numbered three
hundred and seventy-five members, and "Hartford had become
so strong that they were organized and set oflF as a separate
church;" Gustavus followed the example in 1823; but Kins-
man and Vernon remained united until about the time of
Mr. Coe's dismission, which occurred in November, 1830.
This event took place by the advice of physicians and in con*

Increase op Missionar es. 69

"We trust the Lord did at leiip^tli direct the inquirer; at
auy rate, after several months' missionary labor, performed ia
different parts of the Reserve, the call was, though reluctantly,
accepted. And on the loth of May, 1814, Mr. Woodruflf was
installed as pastor of the Congregational church and society in
Talmadge. Rev. Messrs. Badger, Cowles, Leslie, Derrow,
Seward and Hanford, took parts in the exercises of installa-
tion. ' At the same time and place, the Bible Society of the
Connecticut Western Reserve, was organized, of which Mr.
Woodruflf became one of the first Board of Trustees, and was an
ardent supporter, and efficient helper. The exercises of the
day were attended in a barn, standing on the place since pur-
chased, and now owned, by the Church and Society as a par-
sonage.' From one half to one fourth of the time, for several
years, were spent in itinerant missionary labor amongst the
feeble churches. ' Laboring in this manner and with the peo-
ple of his charge in Talmadge, he spent nine years and four
months.' During this time, the Church grew rapidly and
prospered in all its interests. In great part through Mr.
Woodruff's instrumentality, an academy was built, the upper
room of which was used for several years as a place of worship.
Near the close of Mr. Woodruff's labors in Talmadge, a large
and*, for that period, elegant house of worship was erected;
which, though remodeled in its internal arrangements, still
stands as a monument of the piety and enterprise of that
period.

" ' In September, 1823, Mr. Woodruff was dismissed from
his pastoral relation, and labored most of the time as a mis-
sionary until Jan. 12th, 1825, when he was installed pastor

70 The Plan of Union.

over the church and society in Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co/
Here again he was instrumental in building up a large and
flourishing church. Here also he secured the erection of an
academy, and a large church edifice. ' His pastoral connec-
tion with this people also continued nine years and four
months; and was dissolved April 17, 1834. In each of these
places, where he was stationed, almost exactly the same length
of time, he was faithful and successful as a pastor, enjoying
several seasons of special attention to religion, and having a
large accession to each of the churches.' The two academies^
as well as the churches, established by his efforts, still stand,
and subserve the purposes for which they were designed. ' Be-
sides being, as is believed, the instrument of many conversions
to God, Mr. Woodruff laid the foundation of an order of things
in each of those places which will long remain to bless the peo-
ple who may dwell there. In January, 1837, Mr. Woodruff
was installed pastor of the church in Worthington, Franklin Co
And in the fall of 1838, this relation was dissolved, and he
removed with his large family to Bainbridge, Berrien County,
Michigan, where he labored in the service of the Missionary
Society of Connecticut^ till his death, which occurred on the
28th of August, 1839.'

" Mr. Woodruff was married Sept. 29, 1817, to Miss Mary
Granger, of Talmadge, who became the faithful partner of his
life, sharer of his toils, and the surviving guardian of his chil-
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff had thirteen children, of whom
nine grew to maturity. With so large a family, a small salary,
and with all the privations and inconveniences of life in new
settlements, to which, in this case, three removals and changes

Increase of Missionaries]. 71

of place are to be added, we can conceive that there \Yere op-
portunities enough for self-denial and the trial both of the
missionary's faith, and of his constitution. Hence we are not
surprised to hud him failing at the age of fifty-six. But what
must be the burden which, in a case like this, settles down
upon the surviving partner ? Amongst strangers, in the wild
regions of the far west, with nine children, of which the
two youngest were twins under four yearsuof age; with no
other means of support than a piece of land, upon which but
little cultivation had been as yet effected ; in a region where
schools and churches existed only in embryo, if at all ; in such
a place and circumstances, to have the husband and father sud-
denly cut down, is certainly a most trying event.

Such was the lot of Mrs. Woodruff and family. Into the
details of the long, hard years that followed, we cannot enter.
Industry, economy, resolute energy and perseverance, and above
all, an iuflexihle faith in God, these, and nothing else, can
carry a family successfully through such years. And it is due
to Mrs. Woodruff and her children to state that she succeeded
in rearing them respectably, educating them comfortably, and
securing for them thorough religious instruction ; and had the
satisfaction of seeing them all taking a reputable position in
society. The oldest son, Simeon, recently deceased, shared
manfully the labor and expense of supporting the family, and
had his reward in the gratitude and affection of appreciative
brothers and sisters, and the prayers and blessings of a godly
and now sainted mother. Three sons and four daughters still
survive.

72 The Plan of Union.

The remains of Mr. Woodruff rest in the solitary field at
Bainbridge, Michigan, where his labors closed.

Mrs. Woodruff remained in that State until the summer of
1848, when she removed to Ashland, Ohio, where her weary,
though cheerful, pilgrimage ended, August 22, 1853. " And
so he glveth his beloved sleej)."

Those who have read " Sunny Side,'' need only to have
known Mrs. Woodruff, to have been assured that the character
of Mrs. Edwards, as there delineated, is a most truthful por-
trait of at least one minister's wife, out of New England; and
higher eulogy than this can not easily be pronounced upon the
wife of a missionary. " Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow
them."

BEY. WILLIAM HANFOBD.

Another faithful and efficient pioneer was added to the Be-
serve Mission in 1813, in the person of Be v. William Hanford.

Mr. Hanford was born at Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1787.
He graduated at Yale College in 1808 -, and studied Theology
at Andover Massachusetts, leaving the Seminary in September
1813. In October of the same year, at the request of the
Missionary Society of Connecticut, he was ordained as an Evan-
gelist, at North Stamford Connecticut, and a few days after-
ward set out upon a journey to the Connecticut Beserve, to
which mission he had been previously appointed. He reached
the Beserve December od, and spent the *' first Sabbath at
Poland ; preached during the following week at Boardman and

Increase of Missionaries. 73

Canfield, and spent the second Sabbath at the latter place.
Thence, took a missionary tour through Portage and Trumbull
Counties; returned and preached at Canfield, Boardman and
Poland, as regular stations until the following; June." In
June, 181-1, he "took a missionary tour through the southern
and western parts of the State, visiting Steubenville, Marietta,
Chilicothe, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Dayton, Columbus, Gran-
ville, Newark, Zanesville, Coshocton, Canton, and other towns
on the route, preaching in all these places, and becoming ac-
quainted with almost every minister in the State." Return-
ing to C. infield and B )ardman, Mr. Hanford preached regularly
in these places a part of the time, being paid by the people of
these churches, performing missionary service in destitute fields
the rest of the time, until the close of 1814. "Some hope-
ful conversions occurred at Canfield, and a number were received
into the church," during his ministry in that place. In Jan-
uary 1815, he received an invitation to preach at Hudson, and
in the course of the spring received calls for settlement from
the church in Hudson, from the church in Burton, and also
from that in Painesville. The call from Hudson was finally ac-
cepted, and Mr. Hanford was installed over the Congregational
Church and Society in that place, on the 17th of August, 1815.
The installation sermon was preached by Rev. G. H. Cowles,
from 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

It was, however, understood that Mr. Hanford should still
preach as an itinerant missionary one half of the time, so long
as he should regard it to be his duty ; and this he did " until
the meeting-house in Hudson was completed." After that he
spent nearly the whole time at Hudson. As a missionary, Mr.

74 The Plan ofUnion.

Hanford " assisted in forming twenty churches, amongst which
may bo mentioned the first Presbyterian church in Cleveland,
the Congregational churches in Strongsville, Biecksville, Rich-
field, Medina, Brunswick, Atwater, Ellsworth, Johnston, Sza."
The relation between Mr. Hanford and the Hudson church,
was most happy and useful : and continued until the seventh
of September, 1831, when, at Mr. Hanford's earnest solicitation,
he was dismissed, in order to accept a call from the church at
Windham, Portage County. The infirm health of 3Ir. Han-
ford, rendering him, in his own opinion, incapable of discharg-
ing the duties devolving upon him at Hudson, was the ground
of his removal. During the sixteen years of his ministry the
church in Hudson had been increased by the addition of one
hundred and twenty members; the bond of afiection between
pastor and people had become very strong ; and a separation
was of course painful, as is indicated by the fact that " not a
single individual in the Congregation voted " in favor of the
dismissal.

Mr. Hanford was installed pastor of the church at Windham
on the 12th of October 1831, and retained that connection
nine years. Here also the church increased under his minis-
trations '' from seventy -five to one hundred and seventy mem-
bers, besides deaths and dismissions.'^ Increasing infii-mity
again necessitated his removal " from a second beloved people."
His complaint was a severe pressure of blood upon the brain,
which prevented that mental exercise necessary for sermonising,
and compelled him for a awhile entirely to abandon the minis-
try. A year's relaxation and exclusion from all public services
so far removed the complaint, that upon receiving an invitation

Increase of Missionaries. 75

to supply the pulpit iu Talmadge, Mr. Ilaaford consented to
do so, on the condition that they should as soon as possible call
some other minister to become their Pastor. He supplied them,
in all, about a year and a half; and afterward rendered a
simliar service for the church in Middlebury, while destitute
of a pastor ; for a short time he also preached at Northfield ;
but in each instance entire physical prostration was the conse-
quence. Mr. Hanford still preaches occasionally, though with
difficulty. He continued to discharge the duties of Stated Clerk
for the Presbytery of Portage, and also for the Western Re-
serve Synod until their last meetings; having filled these
offices ever since the organization of those bodies, the former
in 1818, and the latter in 18*25. He has also acted as " Secre-
tary of the Home 3Iissionary Board on the Reserve, from its
organization, in 1826, to its close, in 1852, with the exception
of a short interval between 1832 and 1834.

Mr. Hanford's leading characteristics are fervent piety and
inflexible integrity; a sound judgment and straight-forward
business talent. His preaching is clear and practical, and
his prayers peculiarly impressive. A pleasant illustration of
this is contained in an anecdote narrated to the writer by a
lady who attended a protracted meeting in Springfield, shortl}''
after Mr. Hanford came to the Reserve, in which he took a
part. " During the reading of the first hymn a small and
youthful looking person ascended the stand and took his sea
with the ministers. 'What is that boy going up there for?'
whispered one lady to another. The hymn being sung he
arose and led the prayer, in his peculiarly earnest, distinct and
impressive manner. When about half through, the same lady

7G The Plan of Union.

again twitched the shawl of the other, saying, in a low tone,
' bless me, how the boy prays.' ''

3Ir. Hanford and his pleasant companion still live in Tal-
madge, managing their own domestic affairs, and enjoying a
peaceful and happy old age. Mrs. Hanford was Amelia Wright,
daughter of Elizur Wright Esq. of Talmadge, and sister to
Rev. Mrs. Seward. Neither Mr. Seward nor Mr. Hanford
have ever had any children. But many venerate and love them
as their spiritual parents. Long may they yet live to eujoy
the esteem, affection and reverence of those who share the
fruits of their faithful labors.

REV. LUTHER HUMPHREY.

Rev. Luther Humphrey was born at Canton, Connecticut, in
1783.

" He had passed the age of twenty-four when he commenced
fitting for College," and graduated at Middlebury in 1813.
He studied Theology a short time with Rev. Andrew Gates, was
licensed to preach in 1814. and on the 16th of March, 1815,
was ordained as an Evangelist, at Canton, his native town,
with reference to a mission in the west. The following August
he reached the Reserve with a commission from the Connecti-
cut Missionary Society. He soon commenced preaching in
Burton and Claridon, Geauga County; and in October 1815
was installed over the Church and Congregation embraced in
these two townships, still spending a part of his time, however,
as a missionary in different parts of the County.

Mr. Humphrey was dismissed from his charge at Burton,
the 27th of November 1828. He then preached two years at

Increase of Missionaries. 77

Conueaut, Ashta]>ula County, and after that removed to Ed-
wardsburgh, Michigan, where he reniaind several years, preach-
ing as occasiou offered in various places to the people of that
destitute region. Here at length death deprived him of the
partner of his life. Having no children, his situation after the
death of Mrs. Humphrey was necessarily one of great loneli-
ness. It is, therefore, gratifying to know that within a few
years he returned to Ohio, married the widow of Rev. Joseph
Treat, and now, with that excellent lady, lives at Windham,
Portage County, and still occasionally, according to his ability, at
the age of seventy, labors in his Master's vineyard.

REV. JOSEPH TREAT.

The following sketch of Rev. J. Treat, was published in the
Observer, shortly after his death, probably by the Rev. J.
Seward.

The Rev. Joseph Treat, who died at Windham, Portage Co,
0., on the 9th of May 1841, aged 57 years and 5 months, was
born at New Milford, Conn., Dec. 10th, 1783. His constitu-
tion was naturally feeble, and several times during his childhood
he was brought near to the grave by sickness. In his youth
he was not addicted to vice or immorality, but even then ab-
horred flagrant transgression. At about the age of 20 he first
became deeply and permanently convicted of sin ; experi-
enced a change of views and affections, and indulged a hope
of an interest in the atoning merits of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tliis change of mind led him to a change of occupation.
Having been designed for a farmer, he now turned his atten-
tion to the Christian Ministry, as that calling in which he

78 The Planof Union.

could do the most good, and at the same time gratify the de-
sires of his heart, uow thirsting for knowledge and longing for
the salvation of mankind. Difficulties seemed to hedge up his
way, but after praying much for divine direction he deliberate-
ly came to the conclusion to commence a course of preparation
for the gospel ministry, and went to Cornwall, where he be-
gan the study of Latin, on the 11th December, 1804, being
then just 21 years of age. He had not then made a public
profession of religion, as it was not the fault of those days to
hurry young converts into the church without time for previ-
ous trial. He joined the church in 1805. He entered the
freshman class in Yale College, Sept. 9th, 1806, and graduated
Sept. 12th, 1810. On the 21st Sept., the same month in which
he graduated, he commenced the study of theology with the
Rev. Ebenezer Porter, of Washington, Ct., who was afterwards
connected with the Theological Institution at Andover, first
as Professor and then as President. Mr. Treat was licensed
to preach at Washington, Conn., Oct. 15th, 1811, in the 28th
year of his age, and was ordained as an Evangelist at Wood-
bury, May 25th, 1814. After spending some time as a mis-
sionary in the northern part of Pennsylvania, he left his na-
tive state in June 1816 as a Missionary to Ohio. On the 7th
of the next January he, for the first time, visited Windham.
On the 16th of June, 1817, the church and society of that place
presented him a call to become their pastor and spiritual teach-
er : and he was installed by the Grand River Presbytery on
the 24th of Sept. following. He continued pastor of that
church about 10 years : and Oct. 4th, 1827, was regularly dis-
missed by the Presbytery of Portage, receiving this testimony

Increase of Missionaries. 79

at the time of his dismission ; that lie had faithfully preached
to them the Gospel. During his Pastoral connection vvitli the
church at Windham he labored about half the time as a Mis-
sionary, among the destitute and dispersed churches on the
Reserve.

He^was actively and usefully employed until within a few
days of his death ; and is to be remembered as one of the most
efl&cient of the early ministers of this region.

His excellent lady has, within a few years, married the Rev.
L. Humphrey, and still resides at Windham. Two sons and
two daughters of Mr. Treat, one the wife of a minister upon
the Reserve, still survive.

REV. CALEB PITKIN.

Rev. Mr. Pitkin was born in 1781, at New Hartford, Ct.
He graduated from Yale College in 1806; studied theology
with Rev. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen, and was settled as a pastor
several years at Millford, Ct.

He came to the Reserve in 1816, and was settled 'as pastor
of the church at Charlestown, April 22, 1818. Here he la-
bored efl&ciently until Jan. 7th, 1826; when he resigned his
charge to enter upon an agency in behalf of the W. R. College;
with which he has always been connected.

After entering upon this agency Mr. Pitkin removed to
Hudson, where he has ever since continued to reside. The
agency was prosecuted many years; and both in this capacity
and as a trustee, and principal adviser and manager in all the
pecuniary and general interests oi the College, Mr. P has ever
been one of the principal functionaries. Until within a few

80 The Plan OP Union.

years, although much occupied with the affais of the College,
and the management of a farm, he continued to preach gen-
erally upon the Sabbath to some of the weaker churches, in
the vicinity of Hudson.

Although a New England man, Mr. Pitkin has always been
one of the strongest advocates and adherents of the W. R.
Synod, and the peculiar ecclesiasticism built up under the
plan of union. Active, resolute, persevering, politic, and con-
servative, though for many years not a pastor, his influence upon
the general interests of the church and religious and educational
institutions of the Reserve has been decided and extensive.

Within a few years past, Mr. Pitkin's eyes have failed, so
as to prevent his engaging in pulpit services.

He and his aged partner however both enjoy a '^ green old
age," and he is still at the meetings of his Presbytery and
Synod, one of the few survivors of the generation of ministers
now fast passing away. Mr. P. has one son in the ministry,
Rev. C. J. Pitkin; another son, a lawyer, lives at Hudson,
upon the old homestead, to cheer the declining years of the
parents. Mrs. Yrooman, deceased, late missionary to China,
was an adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pitkin.

Here we may take leave of those venerable and godly
men, who planted Christian Churches through this wilderness,
and by whose agency the Gospel kept pace with the settlement
and cultivation of the country.

They were laborious, self-denying, patient, persevering mis-
sionaries, seeking and finding their reward in the work they
were called to do for their Lord. The future will appreciate
and honor their memory.

Increase of Missionaries. 81

Amid all kinds of discouragement they continued planting
and watering the little churches in the wilderness; until the
time arrived for collecting them into ecclesiastical bodies. No
Presbytery nor association was formed until the year 1814;
when the number of churches already organized was about
thirty.

The ecclesiasticism of the Reserve has been the subject of so
much discussion, that I shall present it as a distinct part of
this work. This first part shall be concluded with some sta-
tistical tables, giving the strength of the churches at different
dates. Perhaps the most valuable items in this book are the
tables and notes furnished by Rev. A. R. Clark, now of Wel-
lington; presenting a complete view of all the churches and
ministers, up to Nov. 1835. In the notes I have omitted
Mr. Clark's notice of those ministers, of whom sketches are
given in the preceeding pages, since in seveml instances there
would be only a repetion of the same statements.

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94 The Plan OF Union •

NOTES — BY REV. A. R. CLARK.

ASHTABULA COUNTY.

Andover. — First Church. At its formation until 1832, this church
embraced two townships, Andover and Cherry Valley. A dispute
finally arose about the location of a house for puplic worship. One
party maintained that it ought to be in the center of the township, and
the other that it should be on the "State Road," in the west part
of the township. And finally the church was divided, and a new
one formed.

The men who have preached more or less to this people, are Messrs.
Breck, Woodrufi", Beardsley, and Loring. Mr. Breck left Andover
Theological Seminary in 1823. Soon after completing his education,
he immigrated to this country — labored as " stated supply" for some
time in Harrisvilleand Wadsworth, Medina county — was settled pastor
over this church somewhat more than a year, — and after his dismission,
he preached as " stated supply " in Brecksville, Cuj-ahoga coimty, from
whence he removed to Cleveland in 1831 or 1832, and commenced
teaching a high school, where he still continues. Mr. Woodrufi", the
next minister, preached to this church a part of his time one year.

Mr. Beardsley, after*closing his theological studies at Auburn The-
ological Seminary, spent some time in New York State, in teaching
school. He came to this country in 1831, and established himself in
Jeff"erson, the seat of justice in this- county. Here he also engaged in
teaching the academy, and at the same time in preaching to the church,
and to that of this place, until 1833, when he removed to Freedom,
Portage county, where he labored in the ministry till July, 1833, and
then removed to Atwater, having received a call from the people of
that place. He still cotinues at Atwater. Mr. Loring left Ando-
ver Theological Seminary in the class of 1833. After his arrival in
this country, he labored a few months among the inhabitants on the Ohio
Canal, where there were no chm-ches formed, and but a few professors
of religion resided. Subsequently, he preached six months in Bain-

Notes — A shtabula County . 95

bridge, Geauga county, aud then six months in Wayne and Andovcr.
He has since returned to New England.

Second Church. This church has enjoyed the hibors of Dr. Cowlea.
Both it and the Jlrst church are now destitute.

Ashtabula. This town is established on a river by the same name,
and contains a flourishing village, situated two or three miles from
Lake Erie. The church has never had a settled pastor, but has been
supplied at different times by Messrs. Pratt, Badger, H. Cowlea, G. H.
Cowles, Scott, and Root. The Presbyterians and Baptists have at
times united in supporting the gospel, having one year a Baptist cler-
gymiin, and the next a Presbyterian. Mr. Scott never had a collegi-
ate education. He left Bangor Theological Seminary in 1831, and
soon after came to the Reserve. He labored for a time in this place,
Monroe, Pierpont, and Conneaut — then one year in Euclid, Cuyahoga
county, and in Februrary, 1835, was installed pastor of the church
in Chester, Geauga Co., and in Oct. following was dismissed. Mr. Root
was a student at Auburn Theological Seminary. He preached one year
in Ashtabula ; and has since been ordained as an evangelist, by the
Monroe Presbytery, and is now preaching in Dexter, Michigan. The
church in this place is now vacant.

AusTiNBURG. This town was early settled by an enterprising class
of inhabitants, who were also friends to morality and religion. A
church was gathered in 1801, by the Rev. Joseph Badger, the year after
he^arrived in this country, and it has been much favored with repeated
revivals' of religion, under the ministry of the two Cowleses. It is
now vacant. There has recently been established]in this town, a man-
ual labor school, which is to be taught by Mr, Ralph M. Walker, late
tutor in the Western Reserve College. Dr. Cowles was installed Sep-
tember 25th, 1811. He discharged faithfully the duties of a minister
of Jesus Christ to this people until February 3d, 1830, when by mu-
tual consent, his pastoral relation was dissolved. Mr. Henry Cowles
studied divinity at New Haven Theological Seminary, and with Rev.
Ralph Emerson, D. D., of Norfolk, Connecticut, and now professor in
the Theological Seminary at Andovcr. Mr. Cowles preached over a

96 The Plan of Union.

year in Ashtabula — subsequently in Sandusky, Huron county — and
from Sept., 1830, until Oct., 1835, he continued as " stated supply " and
pastor of the church in Austiuburg. Having been invited to the profes-
sorship of languages in theOberlin Collegiate Institute, he was dismis-
sed from his pastoral charge in October last, and immediately entered
upon his new duties at Oberlin.

CoLEBROOKand Orwell. This church, formed in 1831, has enjoyed
successively the labors of four ministers, Messrs. Austin, Cowles,
Pepoon, and Danforth. Mr. Austin came into this country at an
early day. He had previously commenced study with a view of ob-
taining a liberal education ; but by reason of ill health, was obliged to
relinquish his object. He pursued theological studies for several years
under the tuition of Dr. Cowles of Austinburg, and was, in 1827, li-
censed to preach the gospel. Since he entered the ministry, he has for
the most of the time engaged in the labors of an itinerant missionary.
He continues to reside at Austinburg. Mr. Pepoon studied theology
for a time with Kev. Dr. Cowles of Austinburg; in 1825 was licensed
to preach, after which he spent about one year at Auburn Theological
Seminary. Since leaving Auburn, Mr. Pepoon has preached for dif-
ferent periods of time, to eleven churches. Mr. Danforth left Auburn
Theological Seminary in 1829. Spent two or three years in Indiana,
and the western part of Ohio — afterwards preached one year to the
churches of Bainbridge and Mantua — then one year in Brookfield and
Hubbard — and since in Rome one year ; and now preaches to this
church and resides in Orwell.

CoNNEArr. This town, formerly named Salem, is situated in the
north-eastern corner of the State, and on a river of the same name.
It has enjoyed but little regular preaching. Dr. Cowles labored here
a part of his time for two years, and Mr. Humphrey for more than
two. It is now destitute.

Geneva and Harpersfield. This church, at its formation, spread
over the territory now occupied by the two churches in Madison, and
the church in Unionville. It is now vacant. Mr. Leslie, its first set-
tled pastor, studied theology with Rev. John M'Millan, D. D., then

No TES — Ashtabula County. 97

professor and Vice President of Jefferson College. He -was licensed in
June, 1807, and commissioned in March following, by the Connecticut
Missionary Society, to come to the Reserve, and under their patronage
he has labored more or less since. He was ordained as an evangelist
in July, 1808; and installed over the church in Geneva and Harpers-
field, November, 1810, and continued in this connection ten years. He
has also labored as stated supply in one or two other places ; and he now
preaches in Batavia, Geauga county, and lives in Harpersfield. Mr.
Pratt was first educated for a physician, and in this profession he prac-
ticed some time in Andover, in this county. He studied theology under
the tuition of Dr. Cowles, of Austinbm*g, and Rev. Harvey Coe, of
Vernon, Trumbull county — was licensed in February, 1821, and or-
dained in 1822, He commenced preaching as stated supply to this
church in May, 1821, and was installed June 23, 1824 ; in which con-
nection he remained over eleven years. He has also labored in sev-
eral other churches, and is now preaching in Claridon, Geauga county.

Jefferson. This church is now vacant. — Mr. Chapin left Andover
Theological Seminary in 1831 ; soon after came to the Reserve, and
supplied the second church in Madison and the church in Montville ;
then the church in this place, where, at the same time, he taught the
academy ; and more recently, supplied the west church in Farming-
ton, Trumbull county, where he is also teaching an academy.

KiNGSViLLE. This church was supplied by Mr. Badger, and after-
ward by Mr. Palmer, whose theological studies were under the direc-
tion of the Cayuga Presbytery of New York. He was licensed by
that body in July, 1820 ; and in February following, was installed over
the second church in Genoa, New York. After his dismission, he came
to Kingsville, in. 1824, where he continued until 1829. "^Vhile here,
he suflfered from bleeding at the lungs, which disabled him for a sea-
son to preach. During his ministry at Chester, Geauga county, he
spent one summer as commander of a schooner on Lake Erie, and his
influence on the sailors was salutary. He has more recently preached,
as his health would permit, to the church in Ridgefield and Monroe,
Huron county. Mr. Kelly is the son of Rev, Mr. Kelly, of Hamp-
9

98 Tnfi Plan of Union.

stead, New Hampshire. He left Andover Theological Seminary with
the class of 1822; was licensed by the Londonderry Presbytery, and
ordained over the Congregational chm-ches in Parsonsfield and New-
field, Maine, and dismissed June 27, 1827 : was installed over the
church in Eangsville, in 1829 ; dismissed July 9, 1884 ; and installed
on the same day over the first church in Madison, Geauga county,
where he still continues. While at Kingsville, Mr. Kelly supplied for
a time the church in Sheffield. Mr. Latham studied theology with
Rev. Mr. Packard, of Shelburne, Massachusetts, and came to the
Reserve in 1834, and still preaches in Kingsville.

Lenox. This church has enjoyed for a season the labors of Dr.
Cowles and Mr, Austin. Mr. Austin continues as "stated supply."
*MiLLSFORD. This church is now destitute.

Monroe. This church has enjoyed successively the labors of Messrs.
WoodruflF, Cowles, Scott, Pratt, and Woodruff. Mr. J. A. Woodruff,
the present minister, is son of Rev. E. T. Woodruff. He studied a
short time at Aubvirn Theological Seminary, and was licensed to preach
the gospel. While supplying the church in Warren, Trumbull county,
he received a call from the second church in Madison, and the church
in Unionville, to become their pastor; was installed June, 1834 ; and
dismissed July, 1835.

Morgan. This church was formerly connected with the Austinburg
church, until 1819, when it received a distinct and separate organ-
ization. Its first pastor was Mr. Stone, who continued with them nine
years. He also supplied several other churches, during his ministry
at Morgan. After his dismission, he became editor of the Ohio Obser-
ver, in which capacity he remained two or three years ; and after-
ward removed to New England, where he spent several years, preach-
ing in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Recently, he has returned to
the Reserve. Mr. Tracy was the next minister in Morgan. And his
successor was Mr. Child, who fitted for college at Phillips Academy,
Andover, Mass., but in consequence of ill health, never entered college.
After closing his theological studies at Auburn Theological Seminary,

Notes — Ashtabula County. 99

he came to the Reserve, and commenced supplying the churches of
Morgan and Rome, October, 1829; over which he was installed pastor
in the year following. He was dismissed from his charge by reason
of ill health, in 1833. For the greater part of the time since his dis-
mission, he has been laid almost entirely aside by sickness. He ia
now preaching in Warsaw, N. Y. Mr. Pratt, who preached the last
year in Monroe, is his successor.

New Lime, Rome, Sheffield, and Windsor. These churches are
now destitute.

PiKRPONT. Rev. E. T. Woodruff, is now supplying this church.

W^iLLiAMSFiELD and Wayne. This church formerly embraced the
whole of these two townships. But a few years since, division arose
in relation to the location of a place for public worship. A small stream
of water, which runs through about the centre of the then congrega-
tion, was one source of contention. There were also other causes,
all of which finally resulted in the formation of a new church in the
township of Wayne. Mr. Coe studied theology with Rev. John Seward,
of Aurora, Portage county, and Rev. Harvey Coe, of Vernon, Trumbull
county. He supplied at different times, the church of Mantua, Por-
tage county — of Dover, Cuyahoga county — of Williamsfield, Ashta-
bula county — of Lyme, and of Greenfield, Huron county — and of
Vernon, Trumbull county. Since 1822, Mr. Coe has spent a good
portion of his time as a missionary among the Indians of Maumee ;
and among some of the tribes living on the borders of the Lakes of
St. Clair and Huron. Mr. E. T. Woodruff studied theology under
the tuition of Rev. Charles Backus, D. D., of Somers, Conn. In 1800
he was ordained and installed pastor of the church in North Coventry,
Conn. ; and dismissed November, 1817, by reason of ill health. He
soon after emigrated to this country, and found the change of climate
favorable to his constitution. His health was so much restored, that
in August, 1819, he was installed over the church of Williamsfield
and Wayne, and dismissed in 1835. From the time he came to the
Reserve, Mr. Woodruff spent a portion of his time at different periods,
as " stated supply" in Milton and Newton, Austintown, Brookfield,

100 The Plan of Union.

and Southington, Trumbull county ; Parkman, Geauga county ; Mou-
roe, Andover first church, and Pierpont, Ashtabula county. He still
lives in Williamsfield, and preaches in Pierpont. Mr. Bascom, on
closing his studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, commenced
laboring in Lower Sandusky, west of the Reserve, where he preached
one year. Afterward laboring in this place sis months, and is now
preaching in Chester, Meigs county. The church in Williamsfield Js
now destitute.

Wayne. This church has enjoyed successively the labors of Messrs.
Cowles, Russ, and Loring. It is now destitute.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.
Brecksville. This church has had stated supplies successively
from Messrs. Shaler, Breck, Pepoon, and Chapin. Mr. Shaler
preached here a part of his time, one year while he was pastor of the
chiu'chin Richfield, Medina county. Mr. Chapin studied theology with
Rev, Drs. Nott and Yates, of Union College, and was settled pastor
for several years in Granby, Mass. Soon after his dismission from that
place, he came to the Reserve, in 1830 — labored in the townships of
Newbury and Russell, where he gathered two churches — went from
thence to Willoughbj (then called Chagrin), Cuyahoga county, and
there also gathered a church, which he supplied a year or two, and
subsequently he commenced preaching to the church in this place,
where he still continues.

Brooklyn. This church has enjoyed successively the labors of Messrs.
McLean Bradstreet, and Drake, — Messrs. McLean and Bradstreet
preached here one year, each a part of the time, while they were sup-
plying the church in Cleveland. Mr. McLean was subsequently set-
tled at Beavertown, Pa. Mr. Drake served an apprenticeship to the
printing busines. He had serious thoughts of going in the capacity
of a printer on a foreign mission ; but ill health prevented. He had
for years a strong desire to study for the ministry, but could not divest
his mind of the impression that he was unfit for the holy and responsi-
ble work, until it was too late to pui'sue a regular collegiate coui-se.

Notes — Cuyahoga County. 101

He studied theology -witli Rev. S. W. Brace, of Skaneateles, and Rev .
Levi Parsons, of Manlius, N. Y. — was licensed June 21, 1831, and
ordained as an evangelist, August 7, 1833, and soon after, came to the
Reserve and commenced preaching in this place. He had previously
preached for a season in New York State.

Cleveland. Six years ago there were but three or four male Pres-
byterian professors in town. Now the church contains nearly 200 mem-
bers, many of whom are among the first in the place, both in intelli-
gence and wealth. Mr. Bradstreet, the successor of Messrs. McLean
and Stone, left Andover Theological Seminary with the class of 1822
— labored in Cleveland from August, 1823, to January, 1830, and sub-
sequently in Vermillion, Huron county. While at Vermillion, his
health failed, so that he was unable to preach, except occasionally.
About this time he accepted an invitation to become editor of the Ohio
Observer, in which business he continued somewhat over one year, from
the summer of 1833. After leaving the paper, he commenced preach-
ing in Perrysburg, on the Maumee river, in Wood county, where he
still continues with improved health. Mr. Hutchings left Princeton
Theological Seminary with the class of 1833, and after preaching in
Cleveland between one and two years, he embarked, under the patron-
age of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions,
on a mission to Ceylon. Mr. Aiken, the successor of Mr. Keep, and
the present minister at Cleveland, left Andover Theological Seminary
in 1817 — was settled for a number of years in Utica, N. T., from
which place he was called to take the charge of the church in this
place. While at Utica, he was permitted to witness a powerful re-
vival of religion among his people

Village Church. This church in 1834 was set off from the church in
Cleveland. Cuyahoga river separates them. Mr. Keep studied theol-
ogy with Rev. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen, Conn. — |was settled for a
number of years in Blandford, Mass., during which time he per-
formed an agency of several months for the American Education Soci-
ety— was afterwards settled in Homer, N. Y., and on being dismissed
from that place, he came, by invitation, to Cleveland, and there
0 *

102 The Plan of Union.

commenced laboring in December, 1833. Last May he left Cleveland
and commenced as '* stated supply " to preach to the church in this
village. Mr. Keep, dxu'ing his ministry thus far, has witnessed
several revivals of religion.

Dover. After Mr. Coe, Mr. Hyde labored here some time as stated
supply, and then was called to the first church in Madison, Geauga
county. Mr. McCrea studied theology with Rev. Harvey Coe, of Ver-
non, Trumbull county. He continued pastor of the church in Dover
about seven years and a half — then spent three years as "stated
supply" in Westfield and Harrisville, Medina county — was installed
over the church in Penfield, Lorain county, September, 1834, and dis-
missed, October, 1835. He now resides at Westfiield, and preaches
south of the Reserve. Mr. Keys studied theology with Rev. James
Richards, D. D., of Morristown, N. J., and now professor in Auburn
Theological Seminary — and with Rev, John Rogers, D. D., of New
York City — was licensed August 3, 1805 — ordained in Perth Amboy,
N. J., August 21, 1807 — was installed over the chuixh in Talmadge,
Portage county, September, 1824, and remained pastor nearly 8 years
— preached in Dover over 3 years, and has recently left the place.
The Dover church was organized in Lee, Mass., June 5, 1811, with a
view to be established in this place. The members removed in the
following autumn, and at present are without a minister.

Euclid. This church had two settled pastors, iVEessrs. Barr and
Peet, and four " stated supplies," Messrs, Stone, Bradstreet, Scott, and
Adams. Mr. Barr was father of the late lamented Joseph Barr, who
died of the cholera, on the eve of embarking for Africa, to preach the
gospel to the benighted inhabitants of that continent. At the time
of Mr. Barr's ordination (1810), there were on the Reserve, besides
himself, six Presbyterian ministers ; Joseph Badger, William Wick,
Nathan B. Derrow, Jonathan Leslie, Joshua Beer, and John Bruce,
three of whom are now living, Mr. Wick was the first installed
minister on the Reserve, though Mr. Badger commenced his mission-
ary labors a few months previous. Mr. Peet studied theology at
Princeton and Auburn Theological Seminaries — was pastor of the

Note s — 0 u y a ii o g a County. 103

church in Euclid more than 7 years and in April, 1833, was dis-
missed to accept an Agency for the American Seaman's Friend Society,
for the western waters. In this capacity he has acted since, and re-
sides at Buifalo, N. Y. [He has lately become editor of the Buffalo
Spectator.] Mr. Adams left And over Theological Seminary with the
class of 1827. He spent some time in the Southern States, and also
in New England, and arrived on the Reserve in 1834, and commenced
preaching in Euclid, September, 1834, where he still continues.

NEWBUPwGand Rockport. These churches never had regular "sta-
ted supplies," but occasional preaching from different ministers, at
different times.

Solon. Two or three years since, a colony of Christians from Bos-
cawen and Canterbury, N. H., emigrated to this place, where Mr.
Nutting had been prsaching for some time. After graduating at Dart-
- mouth College, he labored as an instructor in Randolph Academy,
Vermont, 6 years — then three years in Catskill Academy, New York,
where, at the same time, he studied theology with Rev. David Porter,
D. D. After closing his services in that place, he returned to Randolph,
and taught ti.e Academy 6 years longer, except a part of one year,
which he spent in teaching in Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. In
1829 Mr. Nutting was elected professor of languages in Western Re-
serve College.

Strongsvillk. Mr. Woodruff was settled pastor of the church in
Strongsville about 9 years and dismissed in April, 1834. Mr. Blood
left Andover Theological Seminary in 1831 — preached about 3 years
in Kentucky, and in the southern part of Ohio: from whence, in Feb-
ruary, 1834, he removed by invitation, to Cleveland, to labor in be-
half of the boatmen on Lake Erie, and continued here until Novem-
ber following, when he commenced preaching in Strongsville.

WiLLOUGHBY. In this place is established the Willoughby Univer-
sity, the medicul department of which has already gone into opei-a-
tion, but not with very flattering prospects of success. The church is
at present vacant.

104 The Plan of Union.

GEAUGA COUNTY.

Bainbeidge. The present minister of tbis cliurcli is Mr. Slater,
■who also preaches a part of his time in Newbury.

Batavia. Mr. Bai-rett studied theology "with Rev. William Froth-
ingham, of Lynn, Mass. — was licensed by the Andover Association,
June 4, 1816 — came to the Reserve in 1824 — has steadily supplied,
for diflFerent periods, at different times, the churches of Batavia, Park-
man, and Troy — was installed over the church in Mesopotamia,
Trumbull county, in 1827, and remained pastor of that people 4 years.
He now preaches to the churches in Bristol and Southington, Trum-
bull county. Mr. Bridgeman closed his theological studies at Auburn
in 1830, and soon after removed to Michigan, where he remained until
July 1833, when he came to the Reserve and commenced preaching
in Batavia and Huntsburgh, His labors are now confined to the latter
place. Mr. Leslie is the present minister of Batavia.

Burton. Mr. Humphrey commenced preaching in Bm-ton and Can-
ton (now called Claridon), and in October 1815, was installed over
the church and congregation embraced in these two townships. Mr.
Witter, the present pastor of Burton church, studied theology at Au-
burn Theological Seminary. He has spent a portion of his time, since
his settlement, in some of the neighboring churches. The church in
Burton, at its formation, numbered 8 members ; it has now 125. There
is an academy in this town.

Chardon. This place is the seat of justice for Geauga county. —
Mr. Olds was formerly a deacon in one of the eastern churches. After
removing to this country he became an active member of the Church in
Madison — was a judicious and successful laborer in protracted meetings
— was licensed more than a year since by the Presbytery of Grand
River, and in June, 1835, was ordained as an evangelist by the same
body.

Chester, This church has had four "stated supplies," Messrs. Bad-
ger, Burbank, Palmer, and Goodell, and one settled pastor, Mr. Scott.

Notes — Geauga County. 105

— Mr. Burbank left Andover Theological Seminary with the class of
1824. After preaching here and in Kirtland two years, he accepted a call
from the first church in ]M:idison, to become their pastor, and was in-
stalled January, 1830. In this connection he remained over four years,
and on the same day of his dismission, his successor was installed.
He now supplies the churches of Mesopotamia and Bloomfield, Ti'um-
buU county. Mr. Goodell left Auburn Theological Seminary in IS.'^O,
and was one of the seven missionaries, who emigrated that fall to the
State of Missouri, where he preached nearly two years. Since his
arrival on the Reserve, he has supplied the church in this place one
year — the church in Franklin, Portage county, one year — and the
churches of Westfield and Harrisville, Medina county, one yenTv^.^ [He
now preaches in Chatham, Medina county. The church in Chester is
at present vacant.

Claeidon. Mr. Humphrey's successor was Mr. Tracj^ who studied
theology with Rev. Bennet Tyler, D. D., while he was President of Dart-
mouth College. Soon after the close of his studies, Mr. Tracy came
to the Reserve, and was settled pastor of this church about 6 years.
Having received an appointment from the American Boai-d of Com-
missioners for Foreign Missions, to an agency in their behalf, in In-
diana, he was dismissed October, 1834. During his ministry at Clari-
don, there were several extensive revivals of religion, some of the sub-
jects of which are now preparing to preach the gospel. Mr. Pratt
is the present minister in that place. There is an academy here
taught by a Mr. Canfield, graduate of Yale College.

Concord. Mr, Swift studied theology with Rev. Chester "Wright,
of Montpelier, Vt. After being licensed, he preached awhile in Bethel,
Vt., and subsequently ^in the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio. He labored
as stated supply in Charlestown and Brimfield one year, and has since
been preaching in this place and in Richmond.

Hampdbn. Mr. Cobb^s^son of Rev. Dr. Cobb, of Rochester, Mass.
He left Andover Theological Seminary in 1825 — preached a short
time in the southern part of Massaciiusetts — afterwards^ two or three
years in the Island of Nantucket — arrived on the Reserve either at

106 The Plan of Union.

the close of 1829, or early in 1830 ; preached for a time in Huntsburg
and Mesopotamia, and in October, 1830, was installed over the united
churches of Hampden and Kirtland. From the latter he was dismissed
in April, 1833, and from the former in September, 1834. Subsequently
he taught the Academy in Parkman, and at the same time preached to
the church in that place, and to the churches in Bristol and Southing-
ton. He is now laboring south of the Reserve. Mr. Stuart left An-
dover Theological Seminary in 1828 ; was settled for a number of
years in Essex, Vt. ; came to the Reserve in January, 1835, and after
supplying this church and that of Montville for six months, he re-
turned to New England.

Huntsburg. This church has had stated preaching at different
times, from Messrs. Strong, Witter, Cobb, Wilson, Lyman, and Bridge-
man. Mr. Strong came into the country over 16 years ago, and after
preaching several years, he left the ministry entirely, and devoted his
time to agricultural pursuits. He now resides in Madison. Mr. Wil-
son, on closing his studies at Aubui-n Theological Seminary, came to
the Reserve, and preached one year to the churches of Huntsburg and
Thompson, over the last of which he was installed February, 1832,
and dismissed April, 1833. He has since been preaching in Sherman,
N. Y. Mr. Lyman studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Porter, of Catskill,
N. Y.; was settled once or twice in New York, and subsequently came
to the Reserve, and after supplying the church in Painesville about
one year and a half, in 1826 and 1827, he returned to New York,
where he labored as stated supply, or settled pastor, until 1832, when
he returned to the Reserve, and has since been preaching, at different
times, in Huntsburg, Montville and Thompson. At the last mentioned
place, he still continues. Mr. Bridgeman is the present minister in
Huntsburg.

Kirtland. This chm-ch has enjoyed successively the labors of
Messrs. Badger, Burbank, Cobb and Coe. Mr. Coe never graduated,
but received the degree of A. M. from Yale College. While pursuing
his Theological studies, he attended a course of lectures, delivered by
Rev. Dr. Taylor, of New Haven, Conn.; was licensed in November,

Notes — Geauga County, 107

1831, by the New Haven Association, and in July following, he com-
menced preaching in Kirtland, where he still continues.

Le Roy. Mr. Austin is the present minister of this town.

Madison. First Church. This church formerly spread over the ter-
ritory, occupied now by the second church, and the Unionville church.
But in consequence of a flourishing village in Unionville, on the line
of the town, and south of the centre, and of the village at Centreville ;
and also in consequence of the three ridge roads, one mile between
each other, and running east and west, and thus territorially dividing
the congregation, a division of feeling sprung up, which finally re-
sulted in the formation of two new churches. The first church has
had three pastors : Messrs. Hyde, Burbank, and Kelly, and four
"stated supplies," Messrs. Winchester, Tratt, Austin, and Stone.
Mr. Hyde was the son of the late Eev. Dr. Hyde, of Lee, Mass.,
with whom he studied theology. Mr. Hyde supplied for a time the
churches of Dover and Sheffield; and in August, 1819, was installed
over the first church in Madison. His father preached the installa-
tion sermon. He continued in this place for three or four years, when,
suffering considerably from pulmonary affection, he returned to New
England, and died at his father's house, in Lee, August 12, 1824. Mr.
Winchester studied theology with Rev. Holland Weeks, of Abington,
Mass., and came to the Reserve in 1825, having preached, for some
time previous, in the vicinity of Rochester, N. Y. He labored a por-
tion of his time, after his arrival in Ohio, in the two churches in Mad-
ison. From 1831 until his death, he devoted his whole attention to
the restoration of the Jews. He believed in their literal return to
Jerusalem, before their conversion, with all their Mosaic rites and
ceremonies. Mr. Winchester "was a friend to the descendants of
Abraham, and had studied the prophecies respecting their future des-
tination, perhaps more than any other man now living. He devoted
many of bis last years almost wholly to the study of the prophecies
respecting their restoration. Nor was he contented with theory and
speculations alone. He labored for three or four years indefatigably,
to turn the attention of the Christian public to the subject, and to

108 ^'H

E Plan of Union

persuade the Jews that .Tesus Christ is the Messiah. To accomplish
which he denied himself the domestic comforts he might have enjoyed,
iu the bosom of an affectionate and beloved family, traveled thousands
of m.iles in the United States ; crossed the Atlantic, and spent one
summer in England. He expected soon to embark for the shores of
the Mediterranean, with a hope he might do something to prepare the
way for the return of Israel to the land of their fathers. He con-
structed a map of the land of Palestine, and a grand view of the tem-
ple, as described by the prophet Ezekiel." He died in Madison, where
his family now reside, August 17, 1835. Mr. Kelly is the present
pastor of this church.

Second Church and Unionville Church. Since Mr. Woodruff's dis-
mission, Mr. Saunders, who had previously taught the Academy in
Painesville, has commenced preaching as " stated supply " to these
churches. He studied theology at New Haven Theological Seminary.

MoNTTiLLE and MuNSON. These churches are now destitute.

Newbury. Mr. Slater is the present minister of this place.

Painesville. This church is situated in the bosom of a flourishing
village, on the banks of Grand River. Mr. Derrow was one of the first
ministers who came to the Reserve. After leaving Painesville, he
was settled in Vienna, Trumbull county. Mr. Loomis was settled in
Painesville five years. After his dismission, he returned to New York,
and there died. Mr. Sheldon was successor, and subsequently settled
in Franklin, Portage county. Mr, Adams studied theology with Rev.
Drs, Nott and Yates, of Union College ; was settled for a number of
years in Ludlowville, N. Y.; preached in Milan and Sandusky, Huron
county ; settled in Painesville three years and a half, from which
place he returned to New York, and has since been preaching in
Hammondsport, on Crooked Lake. Mr. Fitch left Andover in 1830;
was settled in Belfast, Maine, one year or more, and afterward
preached in one or two places in that State some time, and then came
to Painesville, where he still continues.

Parkman and Russell. These churches are now destitute.

RiCHMOKD. This flourishing village is in the township of Paines-

Notes — Huron County. 100

ville, and situated near the mouth of Grand River. Mr. Swift is the
present miuister.

Thompson Mr. Lyman preaches here at present.

Troy. Mr. Pool, the present minister, never had a collegiate edu-
cation, but received the degree of A. M. from Williams College. He
studied theology with Rev. Dr. Packard, of Shelburne, Mass.

HURON COUNTY.

There are twelve townships in which there is no Presbyterian or
Congregational church, though in Margaretta, in May, 1819, there
was a church formed, which, however, has for several years been
extinct. A Mr. Smith, recently from New York, is preaching in that
town and in the vicinity.

Bbelin. This church has been supplied successively by Messrs.
Belts, Judson, Barber, and Crawford. Mr. Betts labored here a part
of his time one year and a half, and Mr. Judson, two years and a half.
Mr. Barber, on closing his theological education, entered upon an
agency for the American Sunday School Union for Ohio, for a season ;
afterwards preached two or three years in Marion county, from whence
he was called to instruct in the Huron Institute at Milan in this county.
While principal of the Institute, he preached on the Sabbath to some of
the neighboring churches, as his health would permit, which finally
became so much impaired as to compel him, in the summer of 1835, to
relinguish the business of teaching. He now supplies the church in
Vermillion. Mr. Crawford studied divinity with Rev. S. Porter, of
Geneva, New York ; and, after being licensed, preached for a time in
that State. Over a year since he came to Berlin, and is now the
" stated supply " of the church in that place.

Bronson. This was connected with the church in Peru, until
some time in the present year, when a new one was formed. It is
now destitute.

Clarksfield. Mr. Bobbins preached in a number of places on the
Reserve, and some years since returned to New York State, where he
is now laboring. Mr. Betts arrived on the Reserve in January, 1829,
10

1»
110 The Plan op Union.

and was installed over the' church in Wakeman, in April following.
In this connection he still continues, and spends a part of his time in
Clarksfield, as "stated supply."

FiTCHViLLE. Mr. Beach preached to several churches at diflFerent
times for eight years. Was settled pastor of the church in Peru for
more than two years, from July, 1827, to August, 1829. On leaving
his charge in Norwalk, in 1832, he removed to Michigan, and is now
settled over the church in Ann Arbor. Mr. Dunton, besides preach-
ing in Fitchville, has supplied the churches of Florence, Norwalk,
Peru, and Ruggles. He has recently closed his labors at Fitchville,
which is now destitute.

Florence. Mr. Alfred H. Betts is, at present, supplying the
church in this place.

Greenfield. This church has been successively supplied by Messrs.
Coe, Congar, Edwards, Buss, and Salmon. Mr. Edwards studied the-
ology with Rev. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen, Conn.; was settled over
the church in West Stockbridge, Mass., Oct. 4, 1809, and dismissed
June 23, 1812. Commenced preaching in Greenfield in November,
1826 ; preached also at different periods in New Haven, and in Har-
risville. Since 1831, he has preached but occasionally and now re-
sides in Ripley. Mr. Salmon pursued the study of medicine, and
after practicing a time, he turned his attention to theology ; studied
with Rev. Dr. Woodbridge, now of New York city, and completed his
education at Princeton Theological Seminary. Since his arrival on
the Reserve, he has spent a considerable portion of his time in Green-
field, Peru, and Monroe. He now supplies the church in Peru.
Greenfield is destitute.

Huron. This church is located in the midst of a population which
had long been without the restraints of the Gospel, and distinguished
for its great wickedness. Till within a few years, the village, at the
mouth of Huron river, was noted for immorality. Sabbath breaking,
profaneness, intemperance, &c. Mr. Beecher was educated at the
Southern and Western Theological Seminary, in Tennessee. After

Notes — Huron County. Ill

preaching a year or two in that State, he laboi'ed as an agent for the
Presbyterian Education Society, in that vicinity, for about two years
longer, and came to the Reserve last fall, and is established at Huron,
where he still is.

Lymb. This church has enjoyed successively the labors of two pas-
tors, Messrs. Sullivan, and Cougar. Mr. Sullivan studied theology
under the tuition of Rev. Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, Mass. Not
long after being licensed, Mr. Sullivan came to the Reserve ; preached
for a season in Norwalk, Ridgefield, Huron, before any churches were
there formed ; was settled in Lyme about four years, and afterwards
supplied the church in Wellington, Loraine county, the church in Me-
dina, Medina county, and the church in Canfield, Trumbull county.
He is now preaching in Durhamville, Oneida county. New York. Mr.
Congar studied divinity with Rev. J. T. Benedict, of Chatham, New
York ; came to the Reserve in 1822 ; has supplied, at different times,
a number of churches in this county, was installed over the church in
Lyme, where he still continues.

Milan. There has never been a pastor settled in this place. Mr.
Shipman left Andover Theological Seminary in 1821, and after sup-
plying this church nine months, returned to New England, and is now
settled pastor in Southbury, Conn. Mr. Demund, soon after leaving
Princeton Theological Seminary, came to this place, and supplied this
church six months, and then returned to the east, and is now settled
over a Dutch Reformed church in Pomplar, N. J. Mr. Judson, the
present minister, after closing his education at New Haven Theologi-
cal Seminary, served as agent for the American Sunday School Union,
in the State of Ohio. On leaving his agencj^ he came to this county,
and commenced preaching statedly, in Milan. He preached occasion-
ally in many destitute places in different parts of the county, in some
of which there were no churches formed. For a year past, he has
spent a portion of his time, in connection with Mr. Congar, in conduct-
ing protracted meetings in counties west of the Reserve. Many of
these meetings have been attended with the manifest power of the
Holy Ghost, "convincing of sin, of righteousness, and of a judg-

112 The Plan of Union.

ment." There is in Milan, a flourishing, preparatory school, in high
repute, named "Huron Institute." At present, it is taught by Messrs.
S. C. Hickok, and B. Judson.

New Hayen. The church in this place is now destitute.

NoRWALK. This place is the seat of justice for Huron county. The
church has been supplied successively by Messrs. Beach, Dunton, Bar-
ber, Clark, Saunders, and Newton. Mr. Clark left Auburn Theologi-
cal Seminary in 1833 ; preached here one year, and is now supplying
the church in Brownhelm, Loraine county, Mr. Saunders, after grad-
uating, was tutor, for some time in the college of New .Jersey. Sub-
sequently to completing his theological education at Princeton, he was
settled over the church in South Salem, N. Y., for eleven years ; came
to Ohio in 1834, and after supplying the church in Norwalk a while,
died of pulmonary affection, in Milan, June 3, 1835. Mr. Newton
was tutor in Yale College for two or three years ; studied theology at
New Haven, Conn., and came to Norwalk in July, 1835.

Peru. Mr. Salmon is the present minister of this place.

RiDGEFiELD and Monroe. Mr. Palmer preaches to this church
still, when his health will permit.

Ripley. This church has no "stated supply."

E.UGGLES. Mr. Buffett, son of Ptcv. Mr. Buffett, of Greenwich, Ct.,
left Andover Theological Seminary in 1823 ; was settled in Atwater,
Portage county, about six years ; supplied the church in Buggies one
year, and now resides in Franklin, Portage county. This church is
now vacant,

Sandusky. This church is established in a place which promises
to become quite populous and wealthy. The church is now destitute.
Mr. Bobbins, on leaving Andover Theological Seminary, entered upon
his duties, as tutor in Transylvania University, in Kentucky, to which
he had been previously elected. In this station he remained over one
year. After leaving the University, he came to the Reserve, and com-
menced preaching in Sandusky. While here he was ordained as an
evangelist by the Huron Presbytery. He is now settled over a church
in Oxford, Mass. Mr. Roberts studied theology with Rev. H. Daggett,

Notes — Lorain e County. 113

of Cornwall, Ct; preached a number of years in the State of Maine;
came to the Reserve in 1884, and supplied Sandusky one year. He
is now preaching south of the Reserve.

Vermillion. Mr. Lyon was pastor of this church two years; and
after his dismission, he taught a select school in Brownhelm, Loraine
county. And subsequently he supplied the churches of Granger, and
Sharon, Medina county. Mr. Griffith, son of a clergyman in England,
studied theology at Hackney College, England. He came into this
county about the year 1832, and after preaching one j'ear, returned
to his native land. Mr. Barber preaches here at present.

Wakeman. Mr. Betts is the present pastor of this church.

LORAINE COUNTY.

Amherst. The church in this place has occasional supplies.

Avon. Mr. Ladd commenced preaching in 1811, in England, while
he was connected with the Wesleyan Methodist denomination. He
continued in this connection thirteen years, and in 1824 he withdrew
from the Methodists, and united with the Congregational Dissenters.
He was pastor of a church in that denomination, in England, until
1834, when he came to America. Since his arrival, he has been
preaching for most of the time in Avon.

Brownhelm. Mr. Betts studied the profession of medicine, and
practiced the same for a number of years. He studied theology with
Rev. William Hanford, of Hudson, and now of Windham, Portage
county ; has preached at different times to several feeble churches in
Huron county, and vicinity, under the patronage of the Connecticut
Missionary Society ; was installed pastor of the church in Brownhelm
in April, 1821, and he remained in this connection for more than
twelve years. He now preaches in Florence. Mr. Clark is the pres-
ent minister in BroAvnhelm.

Columbia. The chiu*ch here is vacant.

Carlisle. Mr. Eastman studied theology with Rev. Evans Beards-
ley, of Morris Flats, N. Y.; preached for several years in that State ;
then came to the Reserve, and now lives at Oberlin.
10*

114 Th> Plan or Union.

Elteia. This cliurcli has ever pursued the scriptural course of
having a settled pastor ; and has enjoyed successively the labors of
thi-ee ministers — Messrs. Lathrop, Shipherd, and Eells, and been fre-
quently blessed with revivals of religion. Mr. Lathrop studied theol-
ogy with Rev. Mr. Armstrong, D. D.; was settled pastor of this church
for five years, and was dismissed in August, 1830, to enter upon a
permanent agency for the American Home Missionary Society, for the
Reserve and Michigan; which office he still holds. Mr. Shipherd stud-
ied theology with Rev. Josiah Hopkins, of New Haven, Vt., and now
of Auburn, N. Y. After completing his education, he performed an
agency for the American Sunday School Union, for the State of Ver-
mont, a year or two ; came to the Reserve in 1830 ; commenced sup-
plying the church of Elyria in October of that year ; was installed in
February following, and dismissed in September, 1832. Soon after his
dismission, he and Mr. Philo P. Stuart, formerly connected with one of
the South-western Indian Missions, projected and executed a plan for
establishing a colony of Christians in the township of Russia, Loraine
county, to which they gave the name of Oberlin. Their original
plan was, to connect with the colony an institution of learning,
where youth of both sexes might be prepared for the various depart-
ments of life. At first, they aimed at nothing more than a good "pre-
paratory school." The plan has, however, been since changed, and
preparatory collegiate and theological departments have been estab-
lished with various modifications. Mr. Shipherd commenced preach-
ing at Oberlin m September, 1833, and was installed pastor of the
church in that place in July, 1835. Mr. Eells, the present pastor of
Elyria church, is son of Rev. James Eells, of Charlestown, Portage
county. After closing his education at Princeton, he, in connection
with his father, commenced a Manual Labor School in Worthington,
Ohio, from which place he was called to take charge of the church in
this town.

Grafton, La Grange, and Penfield. These churches are now
destitute.
Oberlin. Mr. Shipherd is the present pastor of this church.

Notes — 3Iedina County. 115

Olmstead. This church is destitute.

RiDOEViLLE, aud Sheffieli). The present minister of these two
churches is Mr. Monteith, who was the first, or one of the first min-
isters, who preached in the city *of ^Detroit. He also, at the same
time, labored in other parts of the territory of Michigan. Subse-
quently he was, for a season, professor of languages in Hamilton col-
lege ; and afterward, instructor in the Manual Labor Academy estab-
lished in Germantown, near Philadelphia, Pa. From 1833, until the
summer of 1835, he was teacher of the high school in Elyria, where
he now resides.

Wellington, and Brighton. Mr. Smith was a member of Dart-
mouth college, but left the college during his senior year, and did not
graduate ; studied theology a short time with Picv. Messrs. Lawton,
of Hillsborough, Whiton, of Antrim, and Kingsbury, of Mount Ver-
non, N. H.; was licensed by the Ilollis Association in January, 1825,
and came to Wellington June following ; and after preaching here and
in the township of Penfield one year, he returned to New England,
and was ordained as an evangelist, by an ecclesiastical council Sep-
tember, 1826. For several years past, he has been preaching in
Maumee, Ohio, and vicinity. Mr. Talcott, the present pastor of
Wellington, came into the county soon after he completed his educa-
tion, and was installed October, 1828, and has preached since, one
year a part of his time, in Penfield.

MEDINA COUNTY.

Bath. This church has enjoyed successively the labors of Messrs.
Woodruff, Shaler, and Smith. It is now destitute. Mr. Shaler stud-
ied theology with Rev. Dr. Elliot, of Conn.; came to the Reserve
fifteen or sixteen years since, under the patronage of the Connecticut
Missionary Society; was settled pastor of Richfield church nine years,
and has labored here and iu other towns as stated supply, at difi'erent
periods and for different lengths of time. He now resides in Rich-
field. Mr. Smith, the present minister, left Andover Theological
Seminary in 1821 ; came to the Reserve in the year following, and

116 T HE Plan OF U NioN.

preaclied one year in Boardman, Canfiekl, and Ellsworth, Trumbull
county. After this, he spent over two years as a missionary in Illi-
nois and Missouri ; subsequently returned to the Keserve ; has since
labored in several places at different times, and for three years past
has preached in ^Richfield.

Brunswick. Mr. Barnes formerly preached in New York State for
a number of years. Since he has been in the Reserve, he has labored
at different times in Brunswick, Medina, and now supplies Weymouth
church. Mr. Laine left Andover Theological Seminary in 1834, and
was installed pastor of this church in May, 1835.

Chatham. The present minister of this chvu-ch is Mr. Goodell.

Graxger. Mr. Taylor studied theology with the late Rev. Dr.
Hyde, of Lee, Mass.; was settled twice, for a number of years each, in
Connecticut ; came to the Reserve five or six years ago ; supplied the
churches of Granger and Hinckley for a season, and now resides in
Freedom, Portage county. The church is vacant.

Guilford. Mr. Noyes, after remaining at Dartmouth College over
one year, left on account of ill health ; studied theology with Rev.
Mr. Ide, of Medway, Mass.; came to the Reserve, October, 1831, and
has ever since been supplying this church.

Harrisville. This church is nowdestitute.

Hinckley. Mr. Laine, of Brunswick, preaches here a part of the
time.

La Fayette. Mr. Boutelle left Andover Theological Seminary in
1831 ; spent over three years in the western part of Ohio, and com-
menced preaching in this place and in Westfield, August, 1835.

Litchfield. Mr. Smith studied theology with Rev. P. V. Bogue,
of Harpersville, N. Y.; was licensed in 1832, and ordained as an
evangelist in 1834, by the Chenango Presbytery, and came to this
place in June, 1835.

Medina. Mr. Lee, the present minister of this place, came to the
Reserve in November, 1834, soon after closing his studies in Auburn
Theological Seminary.

Weymouth Church. This church is located in the corner of Medina

Notes — Medina County. 117

township, and its present minister is Mr. Barnes, who is also preach-
ing a part of his time in the corner of Granger township, where there
is no church formed.

Richfield. Mr. Cooke studied at "Williams College, but did not
graduate ; acquired his theological education under the tuition of
Rev. John H. Rice, D. D., and Professor Hiram Goodrich, of Prince
Edward, Va.; was licensed by the North SuflFolk Association, Massa-
chusetts, in August, 1830, and was 'ordained as an evangelist in
September following ; supplied the church in Richfield one year ; the
church in Plymouth, Richland county, one year ; then the church in
Gainesville, N. Y., one year, and is now preaching in Bloomfield,
Michigan.

Sharon. Mr. Johnson, the present minister, was settled in the
ministry a number of years in New York State ; and after his health
failed, he came into this country, and settled in this place where he is
now preaching.

Wadsworth. Mr. Jerome studied theology with Rev. Charles
Backus, D. D., of Somers, Conn.; was settled over this church for
nearly three years ; returned to New England, and died in New Hart-
ford, Conn., April, 1832. Mr. Fay studied theology with Rev Mr.
Ide, Medway, Mass.; was licensed in 1826; ordained in 1830, at West-
borough, Mass., his native place ; and soon after emigrated to the Re-
serve under the patronage of the American Home Missionary Society,
and supplied the church of Wadsworth about five years. Mr. Fay
was a faithful and useful minister : he usually enjoyed perfect health
and was not unable to preach, on account of ill health, a single Sab-
bath, until his last sickness. He died much loved and lamented by
his church and his brethren in the ministry. This place is now des-
titute.

Westfield. The present minister of this church is Mr. Boutelle.

York. Previous to the commencement of Mr. Russ's labors in thi^
place, which was more than one year before his installation, Mr.
Churchill, a licentiate, preached one year to this church. He was
formerly connected with the Methodist denomination.

118 The Plan of Union

PORTAGE COUNTY.

This county was organized in 1807. In 1820, it contained a popu-
lation of 10,095 ; and in 1830, a population of 18,826. It embraces
thirty townships and twenty-eight churches, nine of which are vacant.
There are six townships, in which there is no Presbyterian or Congre-
gational church. Ravenna is the seat of justice.

Akron. This is an important place, situated at the junction of the
Mahoning canal with the Ohio canal. The church has been recently
formed, and now enjoys the labors of Mr. Brooks, who, after complet-
ing his education, spent some time in Illinois, from which place he
came to the Reserve. He supplied for a season the church in Edein-
burg, in connection with this.

Atwater. Mr. Field came to the Reserve at an early day, and after
preaching for a season from place to place, as a missionary, he stat-
edly supplied the church in this town for one year ; and then moved
into one of the southern States, where he taught school for a time,
and died near Natchez, the 7th of August, 1827. The present minis-
ister is Mr. Beardsley.

Aurora. This church has enjoyed the labors of one pastor, for
more than twenty-three years, under whose preaching it has been
blessed repeatedly with large accessions to its number. Mr. Seward
labored both before and after his installation, a part of his time as a
missionary in the vicinity of Aurora.

Brimfield. There had been a church formed in this place for a
number of years previous to 1832, when, having become almcst ex-
tinct, it was reorganized. Mr. Graham, the present minister, was
born in Ireland, but educated in America. He was licensed by the
Portage Presbytery in 1834, and afterwards supplied the church in
Franklin a part of the time for one year.

Charlestowx. The church in this place was formed in Middle
Granville, Mass., in 1811, by Rev. Joel Baker. At the time of its or-
ganization, the church consisted of six members, and soon after erai-

Notes — Portage County. 119

grated to this country. Mr. Titkin came to the Keserve in 181C, and
was settled pastor in this place about eight years, from whence he
was called to act as agent for the Western Reserve College, which was
then in its infancy, Mr. Coe, after graduating, taught school for a
number of years in different places in the Reserve ; subsequently was
licensed to preach, and was pastor of the church in this place over
four years ; supplied, for a time, the churches in Freedom and Brim-
field, and for nearly two years past, has taught the academy in Tal-
madge. Mr. Eells, the present minister, studied theology with Rev.
Charles Backus, D. D., of Somers, Conn.; was settled over the church
in "Westmoreland, N. Y., for a number of years ; subsequently labored
as an agent for the Western Education Society of New York ; con-
nected with Hamilton college six years; came to Ohio in 1830 or 1831,
had in connection with his son, commenced a Manual Labor School in
Worthington, from which place he removed to Charlestown in 1834.

Cuyahoga Falls. The church was formed under flattering pros-
pects, and since Mr. Baldwin left the place, it has been supplied
mostly by some one of the officers of the Western Reserve College.

Deerfield. This church was formed at an early day, and has been
supplied more or less, by Rev. Messrs. Joseph Treat, and Joseph Har-
per It is now destitute.

Edinburg. This church, previously to 1834, had occasional sup-
plies, chiefly from Messrs. Storrs, Sheldon, and Nash. From Novem-
ber, 1834, Mr. Brooks supplied it six months. Mr, Bissell, the pres-
ent minister, studied theology with the late Rev. Luther Hart, of Ply-
mouth, Conn.; came to the Reserve about the year 1827, and was set-
tled pastor of the Church in Twinsburgh over seven years. While here,
he taught an academy for some time, and was very useful, both as a
teacher and a pastor. In September last, he removed to Edinburg.

Franklix. This church has had one settled pastor, Mr. Sheldon,
and two "stated supplies," Messrs. Goodell, and Graham ; and is now
destitute. Mr. Sheldon left Andover Theological Seminary in 1823 ;
and soon after came to the Reserve. He was settled over this church
in 1825, and continued pastor four years. He also supplied the church

120 The Plan of Union.

in Stowe for a time, and the cliurcli in Paincsville, Geauga comity.
In 1829, he was appointed agent of the American Bible Society for
Ohio and Michigan, in which capacity he still continues with his usual
energy and success,

Freedom. Mr. Treat studied theology under the tuition of Rev.
Ebenezer Porter, D, D. He was ordained in Woodbury, Conn., May
5, 1814, and soon after came to the Reserve under the patronage of
the Connecticut Missionary Society; was installed in Windham, Sep-
tember, 1817, and dismissed Oct. 1827. He has supplied a number of
churches at different times ; labored in Garrettsville two years previ-
ous to the formation of a church in that village, and is preaching there
still. Mr. Rockwell, the present minister, studied theology with Rev.
Josiah Hopkins, of Heyv Haven, Vt., and more recently of Auburn,
N. Y. He was settled for a number of years in Vermont, and in July
last, came to the Reserve and commenced preaching in this place,
where he still continues.

Garrettsville. This village is situated on the corner of Nelson,
Hiram, Freedom, and Windham. Mr. Treat is the present minister.

HuDsox. This town is called after Mr. Hudson, the first settler in
the township. He came to the place in 1800, and removed his family
in the year following. He crossed Lake Erie five times in an open boat
or canoe. He is still living. Mr. Hanford was settled over the church
in this place in 1816, and dismissed in 1831, having received a call to
become pastor of the church in Windham, where he still labors. Mr.
Doolittle, the present minister, studied theology with the late Rev.
Luther Hart, of Plymouth, Conn.; was settled for several years in
north-east Pennsylvania, from whence he was called to take the charge
of the church in Hudson

Western Reserve College Church. The Professor of Biblical
Theology is regarded as the pastor of the church. Mr. Green was
the first elected to this office. He had been settled over the church
in Brandon, Vermont, a number of years, from which place he was
called to Kennebeck, Maine, and from thence to this college. He is
now president of Oneida Institute, Mr. Folsom, after leaving Andover

Notes — Portage County. 121

Theological Seminary in 1831, spent some time in the southern States;
in the winter of 1832 and 1833, he preached three months in Cleve-
and, Ohio, and from thence he was called to a professorship in Lane
Seminary. While there, in September, 1833, he was invited to the
professorship in this college, which he now fills, and is pastor of the
church.

Mantua, This church has enjoyed successively, the labors of
Messrs. Coe, Seward, Pepoon, Hopkins, and Danforth. It ia now
destitute. Mr. Hopkins studied theology with his brother, Rev.
Josiah Hopkins, now of Auburn, N. Y. He was settled for a time in
Vermont; came to the Reserve in 1830; and supplied this church and
that in Shalersville, one year. He is now, and has been for three
or four years past, preaching in Canton, Ohio.

MiDDLEBURY. Mr. Baldwin left Andover Theological Seminary, in
1822, and has been preaching in this place about five years ; a part
of the time, however, for two or three years he preached in the vil-
lage of Cuyahoga Falls.

Nelson. Mr. Fenn studied theology with Rev. Bezaleel Pinneo, of
Milford, Ct. ; was pastor of the church in this place about sixteen
years, and in April last was dismissed to accept a call from the church
in Gustavus, Trumbull Co. While at Nelson, he supplied for a time,
the churches in Windham and Southington.

NoRTHFiELD. Mr. Pitkin is the present minister of this church.

Palmyra. This church .has had but little stated preaching, and
and is now destitute.

Ravenna. Mr. Storrs was the son of the late Rev. Richard S.
Storrs, of Longmeadow, Mass. He studied in the College of New
Jersey until his junior year, when, by reason of ill health, he left
college. After^regaining his health in some degree, he pursued the-
ological studies under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Woolworth, of Bridge-
hampton, Long Island. In 1813 he was licensed to preach ; and in
1817 he entered Andover Theological Seminary, where he remained
three years, After closing his studies there he proceeded to the south,
11

122 The Plan or Union.

and was ordained as an evangelist in Charleston, South Carolina,
Jan. 3, 1821. In the year following he came to the Reserve, and
settled at Ravenna, where he continued over six years. And from
thence he was called to "fill the chair of professor of theology, in
the Western Reserve College ; subsequently was appointed president,
and Feb. 1831, inaugurated. By reason of ill health in the summer
of 1833, he was released from the duties of his ofl&ce for six
months, by the trustees. In August, he visited his brother at Brain-
tree, Mass., where, he was to close his days. His health rapidly de-
clined, and on the 15th of Sept., Sabbath morning, at half past one
o'clock, his spirit took its upward flight. The principal characteris-
tics of President Storrs, were singleness of aim ; resoluteness of pur-
pose ; and persverance in effort. His name will ever be associated
with the interests of religion, benevolence, and learning at the West,
and his departure is deeply to be deplored." Mr .Nash is son of the
late Rev. J. Nash of Middlefield, Mass. He studied at Andover The-
ological Seminary two years, and left the Seminary by reason of ill
health. He came to the Reserve and was settled over this church in
1829.

Randolph and Rootstown. These churches have had one pastor,
Mr. Meriam, and they still enjoy his labors. He left Andover The-
ological Seminary in 1822.

Shalersville. This church is now destitute.

Springfield. This church has had some stated supplies from dif-
ferent ministers, and has enjoyed successively the labors of two pas-
tors, Messrs. Beer and Hughes. Mr, Beer studied theology with Rev.
Thomas E. Hughes of Beaver County, Pa. ; was licensed October 20,
1808, and labored as a pastor in this place for several years ; then for
a season as a "stated supply," in Newton, Trumbull Co., and sub-
sequently was settled south of the Reserve, in Middle Sandy, where
he still continues. Mr. Hughes is son of Rev. Thomas E. Hughes ;
studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, and has been pastor of
this church more than six years.

Stowe. This church is now destitute.

Notes — Trumbull County. 123

STREBTSBOROuan. Mr. Dean, after the close of his studies at Au-
burn Theological Seminary, preached some time in New York State ;
then came to the Reserve and settled in this place, and supplied the
church for one year.

Tallmadge. Mr. Bacon commenced preaching here as early as there
were any inhabitants for hearers ; formed the church in his own'house^;
closed his labors with the church in 1812 ; returned to New England,
and in August, 1817, died at Hartford, Ct. Mr. Parmelee, on leaving
Andover Theological Seminary in 1830, engaged in an agency for the
American Board of Commissoners for Foreign Missions, for six months,
and subsequently preached in Westfield, New York, from which place
he wascalled to take the ministerial charge of the church in Tallmadge.

TwiNSBURG. Mr. Hair, the present minister, spent one year or
more as teacher in theManual Labor Academy of Ann Arbor, Mich-
igan. While engaged in this business, he was licensed to preach by
the Monroe Presbytery. After closing his school he came to the
Reserve and commenced preaching in this place in October last.

Windham. Mr. Hanford is the present pastor of this church.

TRUMBULL COUNTY.

This county lies south of Ashtabula Co. and east of Portage. It was
organized in 1800. In 1820 it contained a population of 15,546, and
in 1830, 26,158. It embraces thirty-five townships and twenty-nine
churches, five of which are destitute. There are six townships in
which there is no Presbyterian or Congregational church. Warren is
the seat of justice.

AusTiNTOWN and ,Weathersfield. This church has been supplied
at dilFerent times successively by Messrs. Woodruff, Beers, and Strat-
ton. Mr. Stratton is the present minister. Since he was licensed
he has preached in Canfield^ Ellsworth, and Newton.

Bazetta. Mr. Miller studied theology with the late Rev. Giles H.
Cowles, D. D., of Austinburg ; was settled in Bristol about five years
and has supplied a number of churches for a short time each. Some
time after his dismission from Bristol, he moved to Farmington, and
taught the academy in that place for a year or two; and the last

124 The Plan op Union.

winter and spring he labored in Seneca Co. west of the Reserve, for
the good of the^Catholics, and to some extent was successful in his

labors.

BLOOMriELD. Mr. Hart studied theology with the late Rev. Giles
H. Cowles, D. D. of Austinburg ; was^pastor of this church for several
years ; and^is now preaching in Springfield, Penn. Mr. Burbank is
the present minister.

BoARDMAN. This church' has enjoyed successively, the labors of
Messrs. Hanford, Smith, Stratton, and ".Stafford. Mr. Stafford at
present preaches but a part of his time.

Braceville. Mr. Curtis left Andover Theological Seminary in
1815; came to the Reserve some time before 1820, and in that year
was installed over the church in Warren, and returned to Vermont in
1831, but his pastoral relation was not dissolved until the year follow-
ing. While in Warren he preached a part of his time in this place.
He has been for one or two years past a missionary in Canada. Mr.
Russ studied theology a few months with Rev. William A. Hawley, of
Hinsdale, Mass ; then went to Virginia and studied one year and a
half with Rev. Francis Thornton, of Culpepper Co., and Rev. William
Hill, D. D., of Winchester. He was licensed by Winchester Presby-
tery, and then returned to the north and spent a short time at Auburn
Theological Seminary. After spending a season as a missionary with-
in the bounds of Albany Co., N. Y., he came to the Reserve. He has
since labored in Sandusky, Greenfield, and New Haven, Huron Co.;
Braceville and Gustavus in this County; Wayne, Ashtabula Co.; and
York, Medina Co. In the last mentioned ■ place he has been recently
settled as pastor. Mr. Bouton is the present minister of Braceville.

Bristol. Mr. Barrett is the present minister of this church.

Brookfield. Mr. Core came to America in 1802, and soon after to
Pennsylvania, where, in October, 1816, he was licensed to preach by
the Presbytery of Hartford, now Beaver, and in June following was
installed over the churches in Brookfield, Vienna, and Youngstown.
He was dismissed from Vienna in 1820, from Youngstown in April,
1823, and from Brookfield in October following; and became pastor

Notes — Trumbull County. 125

of two or three congregations in Pennsylvania, where he now labors.
Mr. Harper, last year and a part of the present, supplied this church.

Canfield, This church has enjoyed successively the labors of
Messrs. Hanford, Smith. Sullivan, and Stratton. Previous to his in-
stallation, Mr. Stratton preached to this church and that of Ellsworth
for more than a year. At length some difficulty arose in Canfield, in
relation to church government, which resulted in the organization of
a strictly Presbyterian church, and the dismission of Mr. Stratton
from the old church and his settlement in the new one. This occurred
in January, 1835. Mr. Stratton has also supplied the church in
Newton.

First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Stratton is the present pastor.

Ellsworth. Mr. Bruce studied theology with Rev, Thomas E.
Hughes of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Soon after he was licensed,
he commenced preaching in this place ; was pastor Of five years ; and
after his dismission he preached as stated supply in Newton one year,
and died in that place in November, 1816. The church in Elsworth
is now vacant.

Farmingtok. Mr. Bouton supplied this church for a season, and
in 1830 removed to Illinois, where he preached a year or two, and
then removed to Michigan, where he remained as much longer. Some
time in the present year he came back to Farmington, and was in-
stalled pastor in September, 1835. He has also supplied several other
churches in this county at different times,

West Church. Mr. Chapin is the present minister ; and also the
teacher of the academy in this place.

Fowler and Johnson. Mi*. Eells, the pastor of these two
churches, studied theology with Rev. Thomas Robbins of East Wind-
sor, Conn. ; was licensed by the Hartford North Consociation, and or-
dained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of Oswego, N. Y. He was
installed over these churches in October 1827.

Hartford. Mr. Andrews was ordained and installed by the Presby-
tery of Winchester, Virginia, over the church in Alexandria, Va. in
11*

126 The Plan of Union.

1817; dismissed in 1827; and installed over the church of Hartford
in the same year, and still remains pastor.

GusTAVus. Mr. Badger is senior pastor of this church, and Mr.
Fenn his colleague.

Greene. This church is now vacant.

Hubbard. This church has had supplies successively from several
ministers.

Kinsman. Mr. McHvaine commenced preaching in 1827 ; labor-
ed some time in Monroe, Michigan, and from thence came to Kins-
man, where he still continues.

Liberty. Mr. Scott was licensed by the Presbytery of New-
castle ; was installed pastor of this church and that of Poland, in
April, 1834, and still continues such.

Mecca. Mr. Calhoon formerly preached in New York State,
and is now supplying the church in this place.

Milton and Newton. Mr. Boyd studied theology with Rev. John
McMillan, D. D., Vice President of Jefferson College ; was licensed
to preach by the Presbytery of Erie in 1806 ; installed over this
church and that of Warren in 1808 ; and remained in this connec-
tion until his death. Some portion^ of his time he spent as a mis-
■ionary under the patronage of the Connecticut Missionary Society.
Mr. Stratton preaches here, at present, a part of his time.

Poland. Mr. Pettenger was settled pastor of this church for
six years. Mr. Cook statedly supplied it for eighteen months. Mr.
Hanford, six months. Mr. Wright studied theology with Rev. John
McMillan, D. D., Vice President of JeflFerson College ; was licensed
to preach by the Presbytery of Ohio in October, 1814 ; was settled
pastor over this church nearly sixteen years ; and dismissed for the
purpose of spending his whole time with the congregation in Westfield,
Pa. , where he still labors. Mr. Scott is the present pastor.

Mesopotamia. Mr. Burbank is the present minister of this
church.

Southington, The present minister of this church is Mr.
Barrett.

Notes — Trumbull Count y. 127

Vernon. Mr. H. Coe studied theology with Rev. Dr. Fitch, President
of Williams College, and Rev. Dr. Coolej, of Granville, Mass. He
came into this country soon after he was licensed to preach, and
was pastor of this church nearly sixteen years, and was dismissed
to enter upon an agency for the Western Reserve College, to which
he had been previously invited. lie continued in this business about
two years, and then accepted an agency for the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the Reserve and Michigan.
Since he entered upon this field of labor, he has acted, for a season,
several times, as agent for the college. In both stations he has
been efficient and successful. He resides at Hudson. Mr. Evans,
the present minister of Vernon, studied theology with Rev. Eden
Burroughs, D. D., of Hanover, N. H., the father of the noted
Stephen Burroughs, who is now a Catholic priest in Canada. Mr.
Evans was settled in Enfield, N. H., twenty-one years. Between 1826
and 1834, he preached as " stated supply" within the bounds of Roches-
ter and Niagara Presbyteries, and came to Vernon in Sept., 1834.

Vienna. Mr. Derrow studied at Hamilton College, but did not
graduate. He pursued his theological studies under the tuition of
Rev. Mr. Steel, of Paris, N. Y., and Rev. Dr. Norton, of Clin-
ton N. Y. ; was licensed by the Oneida Association in 1801 ; set-
tled a number of years in Homer, N. Y., was pastor of the church
in Vienna nearly four years ; then was absent over six years, and
afterward returned and was reinstalled Februrary 6, 1822, and
died in Vienna, November 1 8, 1828. Mr. Birge was licensed in 1827 ;
came to Ohio in 1828, and spent one year in New Philadelphia,
south of the Reserve ; came to Vienna in 1829, and was installed
in November, 1830, and was dismissed by reason of ill health in
May, 1835. The church is now vacant.

Warren. Mr. Hulin preached to this church six months or more,
and then returned to New England, and settled in New Fairfield,
Conn. Mr. Towne was settled over the church in Hanover, N. H.,
from June 22, 1814, to January, 1833 ; commenced supplying the
church in Warren, May 25, 1834, and was installed in May following.

128 The Plan op Union.

YouNGSTOWN. Mr. Wick was the second minister who came to
the Reserve, and the first that was installed. He studied theology
with Rev. John McMillan, D. D., of Jefferson College : was set-
tled over this church in 1800, and died March 29, 1815, aged 47.
Mr. Harnard supplied this church about three years, and now lives
in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Stafford, the present pastor, studied the-
ology with Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., President of Yale College;
preached a number of years in New York ; was instrumental in es-
tablishing a Seaman's Chapel in that city ; performed a short agency
for the Bible cause, before the American Bible Society was formed ;
was secretary, for a number of years, of the Presbyterian Educa-
tion Society, and came to the Reserve about the year 1829, and was
installed pastor of the church in this place April 5, 1830, and still
continues as such.

Summary.

129

SUMMARY OF THE FOREGOING FACTS.

1800.
1,144

1800.

1

POPULATION OP THE WESTERN RESERVE.

Ifi35.

1810. Increase. 1820. Increase. 1830. Increase. Probably.

16,241 15,097 66,899 41802 112,346 55,447 160,000

ORGANIZATION OP CHURCHES.

). Inc. 1830. Inc. 1835. Inc. Unknown,

, 46 98 33 149 51 10

1810.
19

Inc.
18

Increase
47,654

Total,
159

Mass.
41

PLACES OP ITATIVITY OF MINISTERS.

Vt. N. Y. Pa. Me. England. Irel'd. Unknown. Total.
11 21 9 1 3 2 15 160

31

Hamilton

WlUiams.
19

C. of N. J.
3

Dartmouth.

11

Union.

6

COLLEGE EDUCATION.
Middlebury. Brown, Amherst.
9 5 3

Dickinson.
1

Jeff'n.
9

Hackney.

1

1

Vt.Univ; Bowd'n;
1 1

Notgr. Unkn. Total;
42 9 160

Hackney T S

1

THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION.
Bangor T S Princeton T 3 Aubnm T 3
1 15 17

Private. Uunknown.

73 10

West. T 3 S 4 W T 3

1 1

Total i

160

In 1800 there were in the Reserye two ministers ; in 1810 there were eight ; in
1820 there were twenty-seven ; in 1830 there were seventy-two ; and up to 1835 there
have been one hundrbd and twelve, of whom'thirteen have either died or removed
from the Reserve.

Number of Tcnonsfnps, Churches, Destitute Ohurches, and Townships cohere there is no
Presbyterian or Congregational Church, in each County.

Counties

Tpa.

Ohs.

Dest.

No Chs;

Ashtabula, . .

27

20

14

6

Cuyahoga,

. 18

11

8

Geauga,

23

23

3

Huron, .

. 31

18

12

Lorsine,

18

14

3

Medina. .

. 19

16

4

Portage,

30

28

9

6

Trumbull,

. 35

29

5

6

Totals, ... 201 159 55 49

Therejhave been erected for the Reserve, within the last six years, about sixty-
meeting houses, neat, comfortable, and of respectable appearance, by the Presbyte
rian denomination.

130

The Plan op Union.

The following statistics, extracted from the Minutes of the
General Assembly, will show the strength of the Synod at the
different times specified :

In 1837 the Western Reserve Synod embraced eight Pres-
byteries :

o

'D

w

p"

•<
a

o

►«

1814

1818

27

29

1

4

85

24

1864

1946

W

*

yf

o

a

R

P

c

»

c

1822

1842

1827

17

]■?.

1

23

8

IS

1126

212

1232

s

S

■<

►1

P*

1842

1830

11

2

10

463

1836
10

13

106

131

6843

Organized

Number of Ministers

" Licentiates

" Churches

" Communicants

♦Maumee and Elyria were reorganized in 1842. The date of their first organiza-
tion I have not learned. Elyria covers the ground formerly occupied hy Lorain.

In 1840 the statistics were as follows :

Number of Ministers

" Licentiates

" Churche*

" Communicants.

>-l

►1

^

t

W

p

re

1-3
>-t

1

2

27

28

32

6

12

15

10

1

4

6

3

2

35

22

36

7

18

12

14

1964

1820

2025

243

1227

1110

681

130

15

146

7843

In 1846 the Reports to the Gleneral Assembly showed eight
Presbyteries ; one hundred and thirty Ministers ; fifteen Licen-
tiates ; one hundred and forty-six Churches, and nine thousand
six hundred and twenty-five Communicants. In 1850 there
were eight Presbyteries; one hundred and thirty Ministers;
nineteen Licentiates ; one hundred and twenty-seven Churches ;
and eight thousand five hundred and sixty-six Communicants.
In 1855 there were seven Presbyteries; one hundred and
twenty-two Ministers; seven Licentiates; one hundred and

Statistics.

131

ten Churches ; and six thousand seven hundred and thirty-
one Communicants.

In 1845 llev. G. E. Pierce, D. D., collected statistics rela-
tive to all the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches of
the Reserve. The following summary gives the results of his

Cong. Chs., connected with Presbytery

Presbyterian Churches, Old School

" " New School

Independent Churches, Orthodox Congrega.
W. R. Association, Oberlin Congregational..

f 9

6801

1906
1024

Average Membership in Congregational Churches, 56.
" " Presbyterian " 120.

In looking over the above table, the reader will be surprised
to find the Presbyteries containing so large a proportion of
Congregational or partly Congregational Churches. The only
explanation of this phenomenon is found in the adaptation of
the Plan of Union to satisfy and harmonize people and churches
attached to the two polities.

The following statistics are taken from the "Western Reserve
Register, published at Hudson, by Sawyer, IngersoU & Co., in
1852 ; they are not perfect, but give a nearly correct view of
the Churches at that time :

PBKSBYTERIAlf AND CONGEEGATIONAL CHURCHES, PASTORS AND COMMU-
NICAMTS.

Congregational Churches marked Pr., are in connection with the
Presbyteries of W. R. Synod. Those not thus designated, are inde-
pendent, or united in consociations. A quere (?) is appended to a

132 The Plan of Union.

few churches of whose ecclesiastical connection we are not altogether
certain. P., Pastor; S. S., Stated Supply; W. C, Without Charge.

ASHTABULA COUNTY.

Andover. — Congregational Pr. (?) "W. Yates. 50 Communicants. —
(West Andover), Cong., U. T. Chamberlain, 60 com.

Ashtabula. — Pres,, Augustus Pomeroy, P., 140 com.

Ausiinhurgh. — Cong., J. H. Avery. 150 com.

Cherry Valley. — Cong.

Conneaut. — Pres., Edmunds F. Dickinson, P., 121 com.

Geneva. — Cong. Pr., Sherman D. Taylor, S. S., 105 com.

Harpersfield, — Cong., (at Unionville), 60 com. (See Madison.)

Jefferson — Cong. Pr., Wm. Burton, S. S., 29 com.

Kingsville. — Pres., Erastus C. Williams, S. S., 50 com.

Lenox. — Cong., S. S., 45 Com. Pres., Vacant, 40 com.

Monroe. — Cong., L. Beach, 100 com.

Morgan. — Cong., V., 50 com.

Sheffield. — Cong., (?), V.

Orwell. — Cong. Pr., Lewis Godden, S. S., 20 com.

Fierpont. — Cong., (?), H. Green, 31 com.

Rome. — Cong. Pres., Alanson Saunders, S. S., 25 com.

Sayhrook. — Cong., N. Day, 50 com.

Wayne. — Cong. Pr., Francis E. Lord, P., Hiram A. Babcock, W. C,
85 com.

Williamsfield. — Cong., George Roberts, 100 com. (At Centre), Cong.,
W. B. Orvis, 60 Com., Ephraim J. Woodbury, Pr., W. C.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.

BrecJcsville. — Cong. Pr., W. S. Kennedy, 115 com., Chester Chapin,

W. C.
Brooklyn. — (Cr.) Cong. Pr., Calvin Durfee, 40 com. Thomas Lee,

W. C. Pres., (Ohio City), J. A. Thome, P., 134 com.

Chagrin Falls. — Cong., Taylor.

Cleveland.— l&t Pres., S. C. Aiken, D. D., P., 318 com.; 2d Pres., S.

Statistics. 133

B. Canfield, P., 234 com.; 3d Pres., E. H. Nevin, P. ; a 4th Pres.

church and a Cong, church are organized, and arrangements made

for building; Associate Pres., J. McGill, P., 60 com. ; German

Protestant, A. Allardt, P., 300 com.; German Lutheran, David

Schuh, P., 350 com.

Resident. — Rev. \Vm. Day, Chaplain Bethel ; R. H. Leonard,

Sec; S. H. Lacy, E. N. Sawtell, Agents ; S. T. Mills and S. W.

Burrit, W. C.

East Cleveland. — Pres., Torrey, S. S., 64 com.

Euclid. — Pres., Jonathan Bigelow, P. 112 com.

Dover. — Cong., Abram Blakeley, 77 com.

Independence. — Cong., Pr., Benj. F. Sharp, S. S., 14 com.

May field. — Pres., vacant, 20 com.

Newhurg. — Pres., James Shaw, S. S., 26 Com.; Joseph H. Breck, W. C.

Olmstead. — Cong., vacant.

Parma. — Cong. Pr., Phineas Kingsley (res. Cleveland), S. S., 54 com.

Rockport. — Cong., vacant.

Solon. — Cong. Pr., John Seward, 33 com., Ebenezer Ward, W. C.

Strongsville. — Cong. Pr., vacant, 90 com.; Cong., vacant, 30 Com.,

Hervey Lyon, Teacher.

ERIE COUNTY.

Berlin. — Cong. Pr., Joseph H. Scott, S. S., 80 com.

Florence. — Cong. Pr., Eldad Barber, P., 44 com. Pres., (at Birming-
ham), Jonathan B. Parlin, 36 com.

Huron. — Pres., Cornelius H. Taylor, S. S., 30 com.

Margaretta. — (Castalia) Cong., Pr., H. A. Rossiter, S. S., 73 com.

Milan. — Cong. Pr., Newton Barrett, P., 204 com.

Sandusky City. — Pres., Caleb J. Pitkin, S. S., 100 com., Cong.,

Fairfield, Leverett Hull, Agent S. F. Society.

Vermillion. — Cong. Pr., Almon G. Martin, S. S., 30 com.

GEAUGA COUNTY.

Bainhridge. — Cong., Mead Holmes, 55 com.
Batavia. — Cong., D. Witter, (res. Burton).
12

134 The Plan op Union.

Burton. — Cong., Pr., Ebenezer Bushnell, 80 com.

Chester.— Qong., Pr., Wm. Dempsey, S. S., 152 com.

Claridon. —Cong., Wm. Potter, S. S., 140 com.

Hampden. — Cong., Pr., S. V. Blakeslee, S. S., 65 com.

Huntsbury.— Cong., V. D. Taylor, S. S.

Montville. — Cong., vacant.

Newbury. — Cong., Pr., Dexter Witter, (res. Burton), S. S., 25 com.

Parkman. — Cong., L. S. Ely, 18 com. (At Bundysburg), Associate

Pres., S. S., 12 com.

Thompson. — Cong., Thomas Adams, 80 com.

J^oy. — Cong., J. M. Frazer, 60 com. Joseph A. Pepoon, Monson,

W. C.

HURON COUNTY.
JBronson. — Cong., Pr., Joel Talcott, 30 com.
Clarksfield. — Cong., Charles Pierce, 82 com.
Fitchville. — Pres., Marcus Palmer. Cong., S. H. Waldon, 30 com. —

Abram C. Dubois, W. C.
Fairfield (North).— Gong., E. P. Salmon, 73 com.
Greenfield. — Cong., Pr., R. S. Lockwood, 65 com.
£yme. — Cong., Pr., Henry N. Bissell, P., 89 com.
Norxcalk. — Pres., Alfred Newton, P., 88 com. Joseph M. Hayes,

Teacher. Thomas Kennan, W. C.
Peru. — Cong., Pr., Enoch Conger, S. S., 49 com.
Bidgefield. — (Monroevllle). Cong., Pr., Chas. W. Clapp, P., 58 com.
Ripley. — Cong., Pr., Absolom K. Barr, S. S., 25 com. Cong., Amos

Dresser, 12 com.
Ruggles. — Cong., Pr., Ebenezer P. Sperry, S. S., 45 com.
Sherman. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 15 com.
Wakeman. — IstCong., Pr., vacant, 24 com.; 2d Cong., vacant, 75 com.

LAKE COUNTY.
Concord. — Cong.

Kirtland, — Cong., Freeman Coe, 125 com.
Leroy. — Cong.

Statistics. 135

Madison. — Cong., vacant. Cong., (at Centreville), vacant, 85 com.
Cong., (at Unionville,) vacant, GO com,

Fainesville. — Pres., J. Mills Gillet, P., 141 com.
Willoughby.—Qong., Pr., Alvan Nash, S. S., 60 com,
LORAIN COUNTY.

Amherst. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 24 com. Cong,, vacant,

Avon. — Cong., William F, Millikan, S, S., 42]com.

Black River. — Cong., A, H. Betts, S. S., (res. Brownhelm), 26 com,

Brighton. — Cong., Erastus Cole, 35 com.

Brownhelm. — Cong., Pr., Hubbard Lawi'ence, S. S,, 115 com-

Camden. — Pres., vacant, 14 com.

Carlisle. — Cong., vacant, 25 com.

Columbia. — Cong,, vacant.

Elyria. — Cong., Pr,, David A. Grosvenor, P., 197 com.

Eaton (N.) — Cong,, G. C, Judson, (res. Grafton,)

Grafton. — Cong., G. C Judson, 40 com.

Huntington. — Cong., Ansel R. Clark, 42 com.

La Grange. — Cong,, vacant, 12 com,

Penfield. — Cong., Samuel Penfield, 41 com.

Pittsfield. — Cong,, Austin N. McConaugh, 88 com.

Ridgeville. — Cong., J, L. Tomlinson.

Rochester. — Cong., Pr., Madison Elliott, S. S,, 39 com.

Russia. — (Oberlin), Cong., Charles G. Finney, P,, John Morgan, Ass.
P,, 850 com. J, Keep, W, C,, Henry Cowles, James H, Fairchild,
James Monroe, Henry E. Peck, Henry E. Whipple, res. Prof.'s.

Sheffield. —Cong., James B. Wright, 40 com.

Wellington. — Ansel R. Clark, (res. Huntington), 107 com.

MAHONING COUNTY.

Austintown. — Pres., (Reform), L, Sterrit, 60 com. Covenanters, R.

McCracken, 70 com, (?) (Ref,) N, S,, V,, 60 com.
Boardman. — Cong., Pr,,* James P. Price, 20 com.
Canfield. — Pres.,* J. Reeser, 85 com, Pres., (Dutch), H. Sohen-

decker, 80 com, Cong,, W. Barr, (?) 22,

136 The Plan of Union.

CoiUvilie. — Pres.,* Abner 0. Rockwell, (res. Hubbard), 55 com.

EUsioorth. — Cong., Pr., Loomis Chandler, 93^com.

Jackson. — ^Ger. Reform, J. R. Ruhl, 80 com. Lutheran, F. C. Baker,

120 com.
Poland.— ^TQS.,* Joseph Kerr, P., 168 com. Pres., (Ass.) D. Good-

■vvillie, 155 com. Pres., (Free), at Lowell, 20 com.
Youngstown. — Pres., Charles A. Boardman, 142 com.

MEDINA COUNTY.

Brunsmck. — Cong., Pr., Timothy Williston, S. S., 42 com.

Chatham. — Cong., Caleb Burbank, P., 52 com. Cong,, P.,

49 com.

Q-ranger. — Cong., 45 com.

Guilford.— 1 Pres.,* 1 Cong.

Hinckley. — Cong., Pr., Horace Smith, (res. Richfield), 42 com.

Harrisville. — Cong.

Lafayette. — Cong.

Litchfieid — Cong.

Medina — Cong., F. H. Brown, P., 120 (?) com. Cong., (at Wey-
mouth), S. S., 45 (? ) com.

Sharon. — Cong., Johnson, P., 44 ( ? ) com.

Wadsworth — Cong., Pr., vacant, 25 com.

Westfield. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 21 com.

York -^ Cong., R. Hatch, 65 (?) com.

PORTAGE COUNTY.
Atwater — Cong., Pr., Elias C. Sharp, 140 com.
Aurora. — Cong., Pr., J. S. Graves, 67 com.
Brimfeld — Cong., vacant, 42 ( ? ) com.
Charlestown. — Pres., vacant, 14 com. Cong., Robert Hunter, 3(?)

com.
Deerfield-VvQB.,^ (at North Benton), Wm. 0. Stratton, P., 165 com.
Edinburgh. — Cong., vacant, 55 com.

* A star is annexed to churches in connection with 0. S. General Assembly.

Statistics. 137

Franklin. — Cong., Wm. D. Sanders, (res. Cleveland.)

Freedom. — Cong., Francis S. Fuller, 100 com. Friend M. Deming,

W. C.
Mantua.— Cong., Pr., Seth G. Clark, Agent A. B. C. F. M. Samuel

Lee, S. S., 48 com.
Nelson. — Cong., Pr., Franklin Maginnis, P., 80 com. (At Garretts-

ville), Cong., Pr., vacant, 30 com.
Palmyra. — Cong., Pr., A. G. Tuttle, 12 com. Associate Pr., John

R. Slentz, (res. at Hudson), 12 com. Welsh Cong., J. Williams,

60 ( ? ) com.
Paris. — Welch Cong., J. Williams, (res. at Palmyra), 60 (? ) com.
Randolph. — Cong., J. Merriam, P., 56 com. Ger. Lutheran, George

Weaver, 25 com.
Ravenna. — Cong., Rufus Nutting, Jr., 145 (? ). Cong., W. Burr.
Rootstown. — Cong., Pr., Jairus Ordway, 77 com.
Shalersville. — Cong., Eleazer Hale, 12 (?).
Streetsborough. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 40 com.
Suffield. — German Lutheran, George Weaver, 65 com.
Windham. — Cong., Pr., Hiram Bingham, 177 com.

SUMMIT COUNTY.

Ahron. —Cong., N. P. Bailey, P., 82 (? ).

Rath. — Cong., Pr., Horace Smith, S. S., (res. at Richfield), 30 com.

Boston. — Cong., Pr., George W. Palmer, 17 com.

Copley. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 23 com.

Cuyahoga Falls. — Cong., S. P. Leeds, 81 com.

Hudson. —Cong., John C. Hart, 110 (? ) com. Cong., Pr., W. R. C,

Prof. Elijah P. Barrows, Jr., 140 com. George E. Pierce, D. D.,

Pres. ; C. Long, D. D., H. N. Day, S. C. Bartlett, (Res. Prof.'s) ;

N. L. Lord, Financial Secretary ; Chauncey Eddy, Myron Tracy,

Agents ; Caleb Pitkin, Harvey Coe, W. C.
Northampton. — Cong., Pr., G. W. Palmer, (res. Peninsula), 26 com.
Northfield. — Pres.,^ John Andrews, P., 75 com. Ass. Pr., James W

Logue, P., 70 com.
12*

138 The Plan of Union.

Norton. — Cong,, Pr., vacant, 25 com. Lutheran church .

Richfield.— Cong., J. C. Leonard, 80 (?).

Sjpringfield. — 'Pres.,* (at Mogadore), John D. Hughes, 119 com.; Ass.

Pres., John R. Slentz, (res. at Hudson), 14 com.
Stowe. — Ass. Pres., John R. Slentz, 25 com.
Tallmadge. — Cong., Pr. Carlos Smith, S. S., William Hanford, W, C,

196 com. (At Middlebury), Pres., Elroy Curtis, 46 com. (At Mid-

dlebury,) 2d Cong., Smith, (?),(?) com.

Twimburgh. — Pres., Horace W. Palmer, P., 140 com.

TRUMBULL COUNTY.

Bazeita. — Pres., Isaac Winans, 45 com. Ass. Pres., ,

S. S., 17 com.
Bloomfield. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 56 com,
Braceville. — Cong., Pr., B. Y. Messenger, 37 com.
Bristol. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 52 com.
Brookfield. — Pres.,* Wm. McCombs, P., 54 com.
Ckarnpion. — Pres.,* Joseph S. Dickey, 38 com. German Reformed,

Samuel Leachreat, 20 com.
Farmington. — Cong., Pr., Warren Taylor, S. S., 36 com. Cong., P.

A. Bean, (?) 45 com.
Fowler. — Cong., J. Winans, S. S.
Greene. — Cong., Pr., vacant, 30 com.
Oiistavus. — Cong., Pr., John B, Allen, P., 135 com,
Hartford. — Cong., H. H. Fairchild, 60 com.
Hubbard. — Pres.,* Abner 0. Rockwell, P., 115 com.
Johnston. — Pres., H. Betts, (res. at Vienna), 40 com, Cong., Robert

Otis, Ozias S. Eells.
Kinsman. — Cong., Pr., Henry D. Eldred, 126 com. Ass, Pre8.,B, S.

A. McLean, (?) 40 com.
Liberty. — Pres.,* Joseph Kerr (res. at Poland), 73 com. Ass. Prei.,

D. Goodwillie, 165 com.
Lordstown. — Pres.,* Joseph Dickey, P., 27 com.
Mecca. — Cong., vacant.

Statistics. 139

Mesopotamia. — Cong., Pr,, Hezekiah W. Osborne, 60 com.

Newton. — Cong., Pr., W. R. Stevens, 08 com, Pres.,* William 0.

Stratton (res, at N. Benton), 47 com.
Southington. — Cong., Pr,, Geo, D. Youug, S. S., 39 com. Lutheran,

J, R. Ruhl, 110.
Vernon. — Cong. , P. Keep, 45 com,
Warren. — Pres., William C. Clark, 201 com. German Reformed, N.

Paltzgroff, 50 com.

PART SECOND

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

" For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether wo are Jews or
Gentiles; whether we be bond or free."

"Now, I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses*
contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them," — Paul.

CHAPTER I

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

We have seen that the Reserve was settled by immigrants
from New England, and also from Pennsylvania and the States
south of it. The missionaries, in like manner, were partly from
Congregational and partly from Presbyterian regions. The
immigrants and missionaries, of course, brought with them the
ecclesiastical preferences imbibed in the regions from which they
came; and all history testifies that of nothing are men more
tenacious than of their religious predilections and prejudices.

A certain smart lecturer upon Church Polity says, that " there
are two, and only two, forms of church government. Popery
and Congregationalism, or despotism and democracy." Were
the Professor as comprehensive as he is smart, he might have
said, more truthfully, there are two extremes of church polity,
Popery and Independency, or absolute monarchy and democ-
racy; and between these extremes are found several whole-
some varieties and modifications, each adapted to certain peo-
ples and conditions of society. As in civil governments may
be found various constitutional Monarchies, and Republics, bet-
ter than either extreme, of despotism or pure democracy ; so in

(143)

144 The Plan op Union •

ecclesiasticism, we have Episcopacy, Presbyterianism, and Asso-
ciated Congregationalism, each in its place better than Papacy
or Independency. And, ignore it who will, the last half cen-
tury has also developed a new type or modification of ecclesi-
asticism, worthy of a place in history; which we may call co-
operative Presbyterianism, Plan of Unionism, or Presbyteri-
alized Congregationalism. Christ and the Apostles gave only
the rudimental germ of church organization, which was to de-
velope itself spontaneously in different ages and countries, adapt-
ing itself to the people and circumstances around it. The
idea of a particular form of church government, prescribed in
its details by Inspiration, and enjoined, ^^jure divino^^ is a
figment of sectarian imaginations. No two ages of history
can show an ecclesiasticism perfectly identical, if there be any
vitality in them. Christ never meant to stereotype nor petrify
His Church ; as an exclusive and unchangeable ecclesiasticism
would do.

The propagandist of any polity, is a poor substitute for a
Christian apostle and evangelist. Such were not the early
missionaries of the Reserve. Any ecclesiasticism without the
fresh life of Christ in it, is but a dead body. But that life is
adequate to vitalize any body into which it enters. And while
some forms of church order are doubtless better adapted to ex-
press the life of Godliness than others, it will ever be found that
the form which grows up naturally out of living piety, and
answers the place and the people, to which it belongs, is there
and then the best form. Upon this principle each prom-
inent type and development of ecclesiasticism excepting the ex-
tremes, may be vindicated in its proper time and place ; and

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 145

each is objectionable out of its place. Episcopacy has a na-
tural adaptation to an aristocracy devoted to tradition and
formalisms, with neither spirituality nor enterprise adequate
to' any spontaneous activity. Methodism finds its legitimate
field in pioneer regions, and amongst the poor and more illiter-
ate classes in every country. Congregationalism is indigenous in
New England, and nothing can be preferable, for a people homo-
geneous in character, orderly in habits, intelligent, cultivated and
independent in spirit, if they have been educated under it and
attached to it. Presbyterianism is as native in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania; and being strictly a Republican system, affili-
ates admirably with American Institutions, and works efficient-
ly and orderly wherever a representative government can ex-
ist. And it is a baseless assumption, that there can be no suc-
cessful combinations of any of the above forms of polity, and
no new and valuable modifications and types of ecclesiasticism.
The two things most desirable in all governments are freedom
and stability, the possibility of combined order and progress;
and whatever polity secures stability, order and efficiency, and at
the same time leaves adqeuate liberty and scope for the ener-
gies of the Church to work and advance in her proper sphere,
is a good and lawful polity. These conditions are fulfilled in
the characteristic ecclesiasticism of the Western Reserve, formed
under the Plan of Union. The larger proportion of the settlers
upon the Reserve, and of the missionaries after 1812, coming
from New England with Congregational preferences, it would
have been expected naturally, that when churches and ecclesi-
astical bodies were formed, the Congregational polity would
have been adopted. Had the pioneers possessed a little of the

14G The Plan of Union.

denominational zeal which some of their successors have exhib-
ited, they certainly would have shown the Plan of Union little
favor. Happily they had more piety than sectarianism.

In favor of Presbyterial organizations," were the tenacity
of what Presbyterians there were, for their favorite system ;
the influence of the Presbyterian ministers who almost exclu-
sively occupied the field from 1806 to 1812 ; the remoteness
of New England and all Congregational churches with whom
intercourse and sympathy could be found; the intense yearning
for society and companionship which feeble, scattered churches
and Christians in remote and wild regions experience; and the
fact that Presbyterian churches and Presbyteries existed con-
tiguous to the Reserve, which exhibited a polity well adapted
to unite and control the heterogeneous elements collected in this
region.

The social instinct is strongest apparently'where most denied ;
and Christian communion is most prized by those who have
fewest facilities for it. Moreover those who can with difficulty
secure religious ordinances, and hear preaching, and must exert
every capability to secure anything in the form of a church,
are not apt to be over-particular regpacting the form of polity,
contingencies and non-essentials, of their religious institutions.
Their religion is spirit and life. Hence, rare as charity is under
the sun, it was not strange that the founders of the Reserve
churches were willing to make mutual concessions, and subject
their preferences for Paul and Apollos, to their common unity
in Christ, and cooperate harmoniously in worshiping God, and
sustaining christian ordinances.

Accordingly, we find that the social marriage here consum-

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 147

mated, between immigrants from uiflTcrcnt'Statcs, bad its coun-
terpart in the religious and eclesiastical history of the people.

They adopted the conviction, that christians, agreeing in
doctrine and spirit, differing only upon some trivial points of
church polity, when planting new churches, in troublous times
and in western forests, might, for the details of their organ-
izations, consult their Bibles, and existing circumstances, more
than their imported '^platforms" and "books of discipline,"
and might suffer their ecclesiasticism to grow up naturally out
of the materials, and under the formative influences, that sur-
rounded them. To start, side by side, churches of different
form, where there were scarcely materials adequate for a single
church was simply impracticable. And had it been possible to
start Presbyterian, and Congregational churches upon the same
soil, the rivalry and sectarianism, that would probably be en-
gendered, were not things which our pioneer fathers cared to
introduce.

By combination and charitable concession, and the harmo-
nious cooperation of all available materials and resources,
worship might be sustained, and churches formed. Otherwise,
many years must pass, and the religious elements be mainly
suffered to die out, before religious institutions could be at-
tempted. Under these circumstances, the practicability of a
general union of Presbyterians and Congregationalists, was
naturaly suggested and entertained; and the design conceived of
forming a somewhat new and indigenous order of ecclesiasticism,
adapted to these new settlements. There were those, also, who
hoped that the sectarianism of older regions might not be im-
ported into the new ; and who even dreamed that the predicted

148 The Plan of Union.

age of charity and harmony, when the children of God should
"see eye to eye/' might be approaching j and who were ready
to make an experiment in favor of uniting two varieties of
church order, so nearly affiliated.

And strange as it may appear in these days of " school" and
sectarian " conventions/' and denominational " extension" pro-
jects, in those less selfish years, two bodies no less extensive, and
influential than the General Association of Connecticut, and
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the
United States, entertained the hope of promoting such a union
in the missionary fields of the west. With a self-forgetfulness
and a regard for religion, rather than for sect, quite incompre-
hensible to many zealous sectaries of the present day, those
bodies recomended unity amongst christians in the new set-
tlements, and seemed more anxious to build up Christ's King-
dom, than their own ecclesiasticism.

The aim and spirit of the Missionary Society of Connecticut,
may be gathered from the following extract, from a letter ad-
dressed, by the Trustees of that Society, to the " Inhabitants of
the New Settlements in the Northern and Western parts of the
United States/' dated May, 1801.

"Know, we beseecli you, that religion is the great concern and bus-
iness, the dignity and happiness of man. Seek first the kingdom of
God, and the righteousness thereof. Labor, as soon as your circum-
stances will possibly admit, to obtain the constant regular preaching
of the word and administration of the ordinances among you, Be as-
sured that faith comes by hearing. Until you can obtain stated
preaching, constantly assemble every Lords day for public worship*
though you may not be able to obtain a preacher. Let your ablest and
best men lead in your prayers, and read to you sermons on the most

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 149

interesting and important subjects. And be careful to be doers as -well
as hearers of the word.

"Diligently teach to your children the catechism, morals and good
things contained in the books we have sentj'^ou, pray with them abun-
dantly — restrain them from evil practices, — set them good examples,
and govern them well, teaching subordination to all good government.

' ' While we are sending out unto you missionaries, approved among us
as pious and faithful brethren, who, we persuade ourselves will spare
no pains to promote your spii-itual interests — we entreat you to
receive them with the respect and kindness due to the ministers of
Christ, and assist them in all their labors for your salvation. We send
them full}^ authorized to itinerate and preach the gospel, to catechize
yovir children, instruct your people, and such as have been duly or-
dained, to administer the ordinances to the proper subjects; as there
may be opportunity to gather and organize churches, and in general,
to assist you in all your spiritual concerns.

"The present is a most important time with you, and the manner in
■which you now conduct yourselves will have great and lasting influ-
ence on the state of the new settlements ; on your present and future
state ; and on that of your descendants. By order of the Board,

"Abel Flint, Sect."

That excellent society was above any petty sectarian aims
or jealousy, and sought to extend the kingdom of Christ, not
any particular ecclesiasticism.

With kindred liberality and christian chanty, in view of
the mixed character of the population in many of the new
settlements, and to prevent denominational strife and jeal-
ousies, and the consequent neutralization of evangelizing ef-
forts, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and
the Congregational General Association of Connecticut, in the
year 1801, adopted and sent forth to the missionaries and mis-
sionary churches the following

150 The Plan op Union.

PLAN OF UNION.

'^ With a view to prevent alienations, and promote union and
harmony, in those new settlements which are composed of
inhabitants from" Presbyterian and Congregational bodies;

"1. It is strictly enjoined on all their missionaries to the
new settlements, to endeavor by all proper means to promote
mutual forbearance and accommodation between those inhabi-
tants of the new settlements, who hold the Presbyterian, and
those who hold the Congregational, form of church government.

"2. If in the new settlements any church of the Congre-
gational order shall settle a minister of the Presbyterian order
that church may, if they choose, still conduct their discpline
according to Congregational principles, settling their difficulties
among themselves or by a council mutually agreed upon for
that purpose; but if any difficulty shall exist between the
minister and the church, or any member of it, it shall be re-
ferred to the Presbytery to which the minister shall belong,
provided both parties agree to it ; if not to a council consisting
of an equal number of Presbyterians and Congregationalists,
agreed upon by both parties.

"3. If a Presbyterian church shall settle a minister of Con-
gregational principles, that church may still conduct their dis-
cipline according to Presbyterian principles, excepting that if
a difficulty arise beetween him and his church, or any member
of it, the case shall be tried by the Association to which tbg
said minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it
otherwise by a council one half Congregationalists and theoth er
half Presbyterians, mutually agreed upon by the parties.

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 151

''4. If any congregation consists partly of those wlio hold
the Congregational form of discipline, and partly of those who
hold the Presbyterian form, we recommend to both parties,
that this be no obstruction to their uniting in one church and
settling a minister; and that in this case the church choose a
standing committee from the communicants of said church,
whose business it shall be, to call to account every member of
the church, who shall conduct himself inconsistently with the
laws of Christianity; and to give judgment on such conduct,
and if the person condemned by their judgment be a Presby-
terian, he shall have leave to appeal to the Presbytery ; if a
Congregationalist, he shall have liberty to appeal to the body
of the male communicants of the church ; in the former case
the determination of the Presbytery shall be final, unless the
church consent to a further appeal to the Synod, or to the
General Assembly ; and in the latter case, if the party con-
demned shall wish for a trial by mutual council, the case shall
be referred to such council. And provided the said standing
committee of any church shall depute one of themselves to at-
tend the Presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and
act in the Presbytery, as a ruling elder of the Presbyterian
church,"

Such is the famous *' Plan of Union ;" and perhaps never was
article framed in a more catholic spirit, or more perfectly adapt-
ed to promote christian charity, and union, between the
people of God who happen to be thrown together in a forming
society, and yet diflfer in their views of what is the best method
of conducting church order and discipline. This plan met the
approbation of the missionaries and of the people, and soon

152 The Plan of Union.

went into practical and successful operation. Under it all
antagonisms seemed to be liarmonized; Presbyterian and Con-
gregationalist, each found the essentials of his favorite polity
combined with some of the better features of the other; and
they two becoming one, united heart, hand, and resources, in
building up Christ's Kingdom. One of the missionaries writes
as follows :

"In accordance with a resolution of the General Assembly, printed
copies of this Plan were furnished, not only to missionaries employed
by the General Assembly, but also to those employed by the Mission-
ary Society of Connecticut. The missionaries receiving such instruc-
tions, given them by the combined wisdom of the Presbyterian
churches and the Congregational churches of Connecticut, felt under
obligation to put forth evei-y consistent effort to unite together in one
harmonious body, those who by education, habit and principle, were
Presbyterians, and those who on similar grounds were Congregation-
alists. Had the missionaries pursued a different course, it would have
been considered by their employers as an act of downi'ight rebellion,
and a direct breach of the covenant formed between the General
Assembly and the General Association, in the Plan of Union. By
accepting a missionary appointment with these instructions in their
hands, the missionaries became a party to the contract involved in the
Plan of Union, and all the churches they formed in accordance with
the principles of this Plan, became parties to the original contract.
The missionary, with the Plan of Union in his hand and the love of
God in his heart, would say to the scattered inhabitants of a new
settlement, starving for the Bread of Life, Be formed into a church
according to the terms of this contract, and you see what the General
Assembly and the General Association are pledged to do on their part.
Without hesitation the people say. We comply ; we put our hands and
our seals to the covenant."

Such was the original design and such was the practical

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 153

effect of the Plan of Union adopted in 1801, and promulgated
and sent forth anew in 1806. llev. J. Seward, from whom
we quote, continues —

"On entering this field, I found this Plan in successful operation.
Here were Rev. Messrs. Badger, Cowles, Field, Derrow and Bacon,
educated Congregationalists, laboring harmoniously with Rev. Messrs.
Wick, Boyd, Bruce, Barr, Scott, Burr and Leslie, who in principle and
feeling were thorough-going Presbyterians. Almost all of these men
were missionaries under the Missionary Society of Connecticut, and
were instructed to adhere strictly to the principles of the Plan of Union.
This they did, and went forward as Christian brethren should in such
circumstances, forming and building up churches in accordance with
the spirit and letter of their instructions. Churches were formed so
as to meet the views of those who became members, whether Presby-
terians or Congregationalists ; and the missionaries, all thinking and
speaking the same thing on this subject, had but little difficulty in
reconciling those who might previously have had conflicting views and
feelings in relation to church government. The business went on
because there was a mind to build, and not to contend. At that
period, that is about the year 1811-12, the Presbytery of Hartford
(since changed to Beaver) covered the whole territory of the Western
Reserve, and without any limits to its western and northern boundaries,
except the British dominions and the Pacific Ocean. This Presbytery
belonged to the Synod of Pittsburg, and most of the ministers on
the Reserve had become members of the Presbytery, and many of the
churches, both Presbytei-ian and those of a mixed character, were also
connected with the same body. Some, however, remained in an
isolated position, not connected by any specific bond of union with
any ecclesiastical body."

In the formation of churches, as also afterward of Presby-
teries, the Plan of Union was not always adopted strictly

154 The Plan of Union.'

according to the letter. The particular circumstances of the
individual church or Presbytery often made some slight modi-
fication necessary ; so that in strictness each body had a Plan,
embodying the spirit and principles of the Plan recommended
by the Assembly and Association, in its own specific forms,
and adhering as nearly as possible to the original instrument.
For example, the Plan of Union contemplates the existence of
Associations, with which Congregational ministers may be
connected, though ministering to Presbyterian churches. Such
Associations did not exist upon the Reserve, and the Congre-
gational ministers generally connected themselves with the
Presbyteries. In forming this connection they had a right to
expect that the spirit of the Plan of Union would be exercised
toward them, as well as toward the Congregational churches
received by Presbytery. From this resulted the fact that
Congregational ministers, bringing '^ clean papers" from
reputable Eastern Associations, were received upon their appli-
cation in the same manner that members from one Presbytery
were received by another.

Hence the anomaly of Congregational ministers in the Pres-
byteries who never formally assented to the polity and disci-
pline of the Presbyterian church ; though their application for
admission was a virtual assent to, or approval of, the Presby-
terian polity. In such cases it was understood that these men
retained their former preferences, but as matter of expediency,
consulting the peace of the church and their own usefulness,
they adopted the ecclesiasticism found here. That objection-
able members sometimes came in under this practice, can not
be denied. And on their account the whole body sufibred.

" Ecclesiastical Organizations. 155

Such was the material, and such the Plan of organization ;
from which resulted the ecclesiasticism of the Western Re-
serve. In the most natural manner, and under the influence
of a piety and spirit catholic and apostolical, in its charity and
simplicity, the church of the Reserve grew up the legitimate,
healthy daughter of a legitimate marriage, openly and honor-
ably solemnized, by qualified and capable parties.

If, after many years, schismatics came in to disturb the
peaceful and happy family, which this union produced, and
awakened jealousies, strife, and partial divorce, they only did
what schismatics and disorganizers have ever done, in like
circumstances.

ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES.

As a specimen of the manner of organizing churches adopted
by the early missionaries, and of the constitutions and creeds
upon which the churches were based, the following from the
records of the Hudson church, organized in 1802 by Mr. Bad-
ger, is here subjoined. Readers are aware that, in the words
of Rev. J. Seward, ''from time immemorial it has been the
practice of Congregational churches, as it has also of many
Presbyterian churches, to have a brief summary of Christian
doctrine and practice, to which, members admitted into the
church, should publicly give their assent." Such was the use
and design of the "Confession of Faith '^ adopted by the
Churches of the Reserve.

A somewhat particular account of the Hudson church is
here introduced, as being instructive, in a historical point of
view, in several particulars.

156 The Plan or Union.

FIRST CONQREGATIONAL CHURCH IN HUDSON : ORGANIZED

SEPT. 4, 1802.

"A number of persons in this town, who had^formerly been members
of churches, part in Goshen, Conn., and part in Bloomfield, N. Y., met
for the purpose of taking some regular steps toward being formed into
a church. Rev. Joseph Badger, missionary from the Missionary
Society of Connecticut, presiding as moderator, opened the meeting
with prayer. A system of doctrines was then attended to, with a
view to their being adopted as Articles of Faith.

"Each individual having given his particular assent to the said
system of doctrines, a Covenant was read and considered, which being
also approved, after due consideration, there was an examination of
each person respecting the ground and evidences of his hope.

* ' The next day, after a due and solemn consideration of the duty and
importance of forming a church in this place, the following persons
presented themselves to be constituted a church of Christ, viz : —
Stephen and Mary Thompson, David Hudson, Abraham and Susannah
Thompson, Stephen and Abigail Thompson, George and Almira Kil-
bourne, Heman and Eunice Oviatt, Amos Lusk and Hannah Lyndley,
(the two latter from Bloomfield, N. Y. ; the rest from Goshen, Conn.)

"A system of Faith was then read, to which they gave their consent.
They were then led to the solemn adoption of a Covenant, in which
they engaged to give up themselves to keep and walk in all the ordi-
nances of the Gospel of Christ. They were then declared to be a
church of Christ, commended to His blessing, and charged solemnly
to keep covenant and walk worthy of the followers of the Lord Jesus,
the Head of the church."

CONFESSION OF FAITH.

You believe the articles of the Christian religion as contained in the
Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and as contained
essentially in the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 157

America. Particularly you believe the existence of one living and
true God, self-existent, infinite in power, wisdom, and holiness ; exist-
ing three persons in one God-head, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the
great Creator, Governor, and Redeemer of the world.

You believe that God made man in His own moral image, consist-
ing in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. But that man, by his
disobedience, has fallen from that holy and happy state and now is
sunk in a state of sin and misery, out of which he can not recover
himself, and in which he might have been justly left of God forever.

You believe that God, out of His mere goodness, has opened a new
way of life to a fallen, guilty world, by the mediation of His Son
Jesus Christ, as revealed to us in the Scriptures, given by the inspira-
tion of the Holy Spirit. That by his death and sufferings He has
made a sufi&cient atonement for sin, thereby honoring the law of God,
and opening a way for the consistent exercise of Divine grace. That
all are invited, through Him, to trust in God and be savad, and that
there is no salvation in any other way.

You believe that, notwithstanding mankind are dead in trespasses
and sins, and by nature enemies to God, yet it is the purpose of a holy
God, according to the eternal election of grace, of His sovereign
unmerited mercy toward mankind, to make up of them a holy,
heavenly kingdom. That all its members must be regenerated by the
special influences of the Holy Spirit, and that all such will be kept by
the grace of God unto eternal life.

You believe that a Christian chiirch ought to be composed of visible
Christians who, by a profession of their faith in Christ, and a life
agreeable to the precepts of the Gospel, give reasonable evidence, in
the judgment of charity of being real saints.

You believe in the divine appointment of church oflScers, the ordi-
nances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the Christian Sabbath.

You believe it to be the revealed purpose of God hereafter to raise
His church from its present depressed state, and to give His people
rest and prosperity for a thousand years, when the Jews shall own the
Messiah, and all nations shall know the Lord.

158 The Plan of Union.

>'' You believe that, although we are justified by faith, and saved by free
grace, yet the moral law, as a rule of life, remains in full force to
believers, so that perfect holiness of heart and life is their duty ; nor
doth the Gospel of free grace co\intenance them in living in any sin.
You believe the doctrine of the general resurrection of the dead,
and the judgment of the world by Christ Jesus, who will revive all
true believers to eternal life, while the wicked and impenitent shall
go away into everlasting punishment.

The above remained as the basis of the Hudson church until
1819, when the church adopted the Covenant and Articles of
Faith and of Practice recommended by Grand River Presby-
tery.* The Covenant and Articles of Practice first adopted
differed but slightly from those recommended by the Presbytery.

The church was received under the care of the Presbytery
in 1815, shortly before the installation of Rev. Wm. Hanford
as its Pastor.

In 1826, the article requiring the church to have " a Stand-
ing Committee, chosen from among their numb('r, consisting of
not less than two and not more than seven, whose duty it shall
be to manage the prudential concerns of the church," was by
vote of the church erased from its regulations. In 1835, the
Presbytery of Portage "Resolved, that the request of the
church in Hudson be granted, and the relation subsisting
between the Presbytery and said church is, at their repeated
solicitation, hereby dissolved."

Since its secession from the Presbytery the church has been
repeatedly distracted, and at one time rent asunder.

The form, of the particular church organized, was, of course,

* See Grand Rivr Presbytery.

Ecclesiastical Organizations. 159

in each case, somewhat modified by the ecclesiastical prefer-
ences of the minister who organized it, and the prevailing
sentiment of the majority of the people. Hence some were
more strictly Presbyterial, and others more purely Congrega-
tional, in polity.

All were more or less Republican in form, and could easily
come into the Plan of Union, by slight modifications.

The churches formed on a basis similar to the above,
increased in strength and numbers, enjoying peace and the
favor of God and man, until they became numerous enough to
feel the need of ecclesiastical bodies of their own. As inti-
mated above, many of them stood as yet independent, but felt
the need of a connecting bond between themselves. Others
were connected with the Hartford Presbytery.

CHAPTER II.

ORaANIZATION OF PRESBYTERIES AND SYNOD.

Says the Rev. J. Seward, "About the year 1812 — 13,
the question was agitated of an ecclesiastical organization, for
the Western Reserve. Some of the churches (church mem-
bers ?) having been trained up in the School of Congregational-
ism, were desirous of having an Association formed on strictly
Congregational principles. But the Ministers, most of whom
were still missionaries, felt themselves bound by their instruc-
tions to endeavor to promote harmony between Presbyterians
and Congregationalists ; and they well knew that the formation
of a Congregational association, instead of promoting harmony,
would immediately produce discord, and separate those who had
hitherto acted in concert, and would in some instances split the
feeble churches asunder.

" The anxious inquiry, ^ what shall be done ? ' went round,
among the ministers and churches on the Reserve ; was pro-
pounded to our fathers and brethren in the Presbytery of
Hartford, the Synod of Pittsburg, the general Assembly, and

(160)

Organization op Presbyteries. 161

in the Congregational Churches of New England. It was a
subject of extensive and protracted consultation. After much
deliberation, consultation, and prayer for divine guidance, it
was concluded to propose the organization of a Presbytery in
accordance with the principles of the Plan of Union. In this
proposition it was contemplated that the ministers should be
subject to the rules and discipline of the Presbyterian Church
without exception ; but that the churches should enjoy the
immunities guarantied to them by the Plan of Union.

Agreeably to this conclusion, the Presbytery of Hartford,
at the meeting of the Synod of Pittsburg, in October 1814,
presented the request, that the Presbytery might be divided,
and a new one erected, to be known by the name of the Pres-
bytery of Grand River ; to include the whole of the Western
Reserve, with the exception of churches in six townships in
the south-east corner, and with undefined limits on the west.
At the time the Presbytery of Hartford presented this re-
quest, that body was very much under the influence of the
Rev. Wm. Wick, of Youngstown, and the Rev. T. E. Hughes,
of Greensburg ; and these men were very familiar with the
churches and ministers on the Reserve at that time, and well
understood the views and feelings and habits that were then
prevailing. In full view of these facts and circumstances, they,
with their brethren asked the Synod to divide the Presbytery,
with the explicit understanding that the new Presbytery was
to be organized, so far as the churches were concerned, in ac-
cordance with the principles of the Plan of Union.

The Synod of Pittsburg in compliance with this request,
directed the division to be made, and ordered the new Presby-
14*

162 The Plan of Union.

tery to meet and organize at Euclid, in the month of Novem-
ber, of the same year/'

As the organization of Grand River Presbytery was the germ
out of which grew the entire Presbyterial ecclesiasticism of the
Western Reserve, a more particular account of the circum-
stances attending it may be interesting.

Having given above Mr. Seward's version of the subject, he
being of Congregational origin and preferences, yet a friend
and supporter of the Plan of Union, I will also introduce an
account of the same subject extracted from the autobiography
of Rev. Thomas Barr, a decided Presbyterian. Mr. Barr,
wrote this some years after leaving the Reserve, and after
having been employed as an agent of the Presbyterian Mission-
ary Society, and being devotedly attached to the Old School
branch of the Presbyterian Church. The reader will perceive
that he had, at this time, little sympathy with the Plan of
Union, and little patience with Congregationalism. His view
may serve to show those congregational brethren who com-
plain of the oppression of Presbyterianism, that complaints
were not all on one side. When discontent and jealousies arise,
those who have least reason to complain, are often loudest in
their outcries. Mr Barr says.

" It may be interesting and useful, to give a notcie of the origin
of that anomalous part of the Presbyterian Church, the Western
Reserve Synod. It sprang from the Grand River Presbytery ; and
this latter was the result of much curious yet serious deliberation and
compromise. The compromise was indeed mainly at the expense of
Presbyterianism ; but not then so Tvell seen as since. The Reserve
was mainly settled by New Englanders. These, so far as they were

Organization of Presbyteries. 163

professers of religion, were generally Congregationalists, especially for
the first foui' or five years. Wherever these formed churches they did
it either upon pure Congregational principles, or what was called the
mixed plan, which was merely a slight modification. And where there
were no real Presbyteriayis among them, as was the case in nine tenths,
even these churches were governed as really upon Congregational
principles as any others. The truth is that at the time of constituting
the Grand River Presbytery, I do not recollect a single church within
its limits, that was truly Presbyterian and so governed, except the
chui'ch of Euclid. There were perhaps one or two others organized
with elders, but in such a manner as was merely nominal. The min-
isters within the limits, were all Congregationalists by education, habit
and choice, excepting Mr. Leslie and myself; and Mr. Leslie had be-
come so enamored of Congregationalism that he was prepared to have
given up Presbyterianism, There had been several Installations by
ecclesiastical counsels, in which I had by invitation taken part.

" It was at the installation of Mr. Seward in Aurora, that the first
step was taken toward forming an ecclesiastical body distinct from the
Hartford Presbytery, of which Mr. Leslie and myself were members.
We were both present, as were Messrs. Cowles, Badger and Seward,
and a number of lay delegates. After the Installation services, the
members of the council conferred on the subject of forming some eccle-
siastical association. Mr. Badger and Mr. Leslie, with most of the
delegates were at once for forming an Association on pm'ely Congre-
gational principles, to be wholly disconnected with the Presbyterian
church, excepting by friendly correspondence. They anticipated a con-
nection with the Congregationalists at Marietta and vicinity. Upon
hearing these proposals, I felt somewhat grieved and distressed. I had
been flattering myself that all these good brethern, now in this com-
paratively remote situation, as to the associations of New England ;
and on the other hand, near to that large section of the Presbyterian
church, under the jurisdiction of the Pittsburg Synod ; would feel
disposed to fall in with the Presbyterian forms and be one with them.
This I felt then entitled to hope for from the " Plan of Union" already

164 TiijE Plan or Union.

adopted with an imposing aspect, as also the frequent encomiums
passed by intelligent Congregationalists upon Presbyterianism. I was
not much acquainted with modes and forms of chui'ch government and
discipline, still I was so decided in my Presbyterian preferences
that circumstanced as I was, I had no thought of yielding them. I
was then at the extreme north-west frontier. If these hrethren formed
an association in this region, it would separate me ecclesiastically from
them, and keep me an isolated Presbyterian, connected with a Presby-
tery (and to remain so), to none of whose meetings could I expect to
be nearer then 60 or 80 miles, I had labored in these churches, scat-
tered in the woods, some two or three years, in concert with these breth-
ren, and that with much cordiality. We felt as brethren, our work
was one, ' to feed the flock of God.' It seemed too that should this
proposed measure go forward, it would mar the glory of religion in
the eyes of many, and blight the opening prospects of halcyon days
just rising in the church.

"It was owing to these views and feelings that I earnestly opposed
the measure. And I have reason to believe it was owing to my
opposition that it was not adopted on the spot. After my earnest plea
against it, Messrs Cowles and Seward, who had hitherto said but little,
seemed to demur, 1 believe their sympathies for my situation were
awakened, and had much influence upon their minds. We all hesitated.
Another meeting, and afterwards several others were appointed, to de-
liberate, bofore we came to any conclusion."

In reading this account we cannot help reflecting how natu-
ral it would have been for Mr. Barr and his church, finding
themselves alone in their preferences, to have yielded to the
others, and assisted to organize an association. But this seemed
to him an impossibility ; and the rest, with their missionary
instructions and Plan of Union before them, felt bound to seek
unity and strike a compromise. Which, with true christian
magnanimity, they reluctantly did. Mr. Barr proceeds ;

Organization op Presbyteries. 165

" At last something was shaped, to which we affixed the name of
"The Consociated Presbytery of New Connecticut." This was laid
before the Synod of Pittsburg for their sanction; but the very name
gave alarm, if not ofifense to some. On this account, as also because
its features, as well as name, were quite unpresbyterial, as was
thought, Synod refused to recognize such a thing. The matter lay
over a year or more. After more conferences, we agreed, on certain
conditions, to apply to the Synod of Pittsburg, to be set off from the
Hartford Presbytery to be known by the name of the Grand River
Presbytery. In our conditions of compromise amongst ourselves, there
were articles of faith drawn up to be used by the churches, but no
distinct recognition of the Confession of Faith, nor of the forms of
government of the Presbyterian church. Ministers were to be answer-
able to Presbytery. Calls for settlement did not pass through the
Presbytery to the candidate, but were, according to Congregational
usage, put by the society directly into the hands of the candidate,
and afterwards submitted to Presbytery, previous to ordination or in-
stallation. While I resided there, no minister of Congregational origin
was asked to assent to the formularies of our Confession of Faith.
The churches that chose to connect themselves with Presbytery had
the privilege of representation by lay delegates, which lay delegates
had all the privileges and powers of an Elder. The only particular
in which the Presbytery had any control over the churches, was that
they were not to put a call into the hands of a candidate for settle-
ment unless he were approved in some way by the Presbytery ; and
in cases of difficulty where the church could not decide, instead of
referring the case to a council, the Congregational course, it must
be referred to the Presbytery, and their decision be final and au-
thoritative (fui-ther than a Presbytery they had no wish to go). It
was with great difficulty that this last point could be got inserted in
the condition. I thought for awhile we should here split. At last it
was agreed on, but on account of this article the church in Tallmadge,
much the largest then on the Reserve, refused to connect with the
Presbytery all the time that I remained in that region. The church

166 The Plan of Union.

of Hudson, and perhaps some otliers upon uniting, reserved the right
of withdrawing on this account, if they should afterwards feel dis-
posed. Such was the degree, slight indeed, of Presbytefianism
engrafted upon the Congregational stock ; with the delusive hope of
myself and others, that by and by, the whole would become a real
Presbyterian tree, bearing fruit accordingly. In this I was miser-
ably disappointed.

" It may seem to some, perhaps, that I assume an undue importance
to my own particular agency in bringing about this arrangement.
What I did at the time, I did in the simplicity of my heart, believ-
ing that I was doing God's service ; and for a season I felt pleased
that my desires so far had succeeded. But my self-gratulation has long
since changed into deep regret, and shame, for my almost infatuated
mistake. I only remained about five years on the Reserve, after the
Grand River Presbytery was formed, but in this space of time, I be-
gan to discover that name things as you will, the inherent properties
remain the same. Congregationalism, wrap it up as you may, is Con-
gregationalism still." (Too true, of that and every other ism, as bitter
experience has often proved !) "Not that I intend any disparagement
to Congregationalism, in itself considered ; it is only the folly and ab-
surdity of attempting to make real Congregationalism and real Pres-
byterianism coalesce in one ecclesiastical body, so as to move harmo-
niously, that I wish to expose."

*' Real Presbjterianism and real Congregationalism'' were
not sought by the Plan of Union ; but such a modification of
each as should produce a better union, in which each should
enjoy its own essentials, with the other's benefits and coopera-
tion. We see here the spirit and arguments that produced the
excision of '87. Mr. Barr admits that the arrangement
was made with the most fraternal intentions, and disin-
terested purpose, bj all parties, and that, '^ as to doctrine, ther#
was with us hardly a perceptible difference;" which he proves

Organization of Presbyteries. 167

by comparing with the confession of Faith, a Summary of
Doctrine published by the Connecticut Missionary Society, for
the use of the new settlements, and largely distributed on the
Reserve by the Missionaries. His declaration after the com-
parison, is, that " this Summary is essentially the same with
that in the Confession of Faith and Catechisms." And still
further, he acknowledges that under the arrangement entered
into, *' Congregationalism and Presbyterianism" did " coalesce
and work harmoniously in the same ecclesiastical body" so
long as the arrangement was let alone, and sectarianism was
surpassed by christian charity. He proceeds :

"With so near an agreement (if indeed there was a difference) in
doctrine, and acquiescence on both sides in our anomalous Presbytery,
we moved on in much harmony. And I would here bear testimony to
the piety, knowledge, zeal, fidelity and other excellent qualities, of
my early Congregational associates. The memory of many seasons
of ministerial and Christian fellowship is deeply impressed on my heart.
We labored as for God, to turn the wilderness into a fruitful field. 0\\x
labor was not in vain in the Lord. We planted, we watered, and most
of those brethren lived to see an abundant increase given of God.
Without vanity, or injustice to others, I may say that in the period of
our Association (previous to 1820) the fferm was planted of what has
since in that region so beautifully and usefully expanded itself in
moral, religious, and literary fruits.

" Yet, notwithstanding the harmony and affectionate regard which
subsisted between us," continues Mr. B., "as their members were
yearly increasing by more Congregational ministers coming, while I
remained the only real Presbyterian, I could not but perceive with
painful regrets, that instead of approximating more nearly to Presby-
terianism, there was more and more made manifest a determination
not to recede any further from Congregationalism. This being the

168 The Plan op Union.

case, and having Btill to labor much as a missionary, with some
discoiiragements in the congregation, all, together, influenced me to
think of a removal to a different section of the country." •

The sum of the matter is, that Mr. B. entered the Plan of
Union or Compromise, not as a finality, but hoping, one against
many, eventually to bring pure Presbyterianism out of it. In
this, of course, he was disappointed. He was not indeed a
man for compromises; nor could he be easily turned from any
opinion or purpose. Honoring and admiring the man, we can
but wish that his denominationalism had been cast in a larger
mold.

The question is naturally suggested here, how far the Synod
of Pittsburg and the General Assembly, shared the experience
and disappointment of Mr. Barr ? Could such disappontment
have had anything to do with the excision that followed ?

As stated above, the Synod of Pittsburg granted the peti.
tion to divide the Hartford Presbytery, and appointed a meet-
ing at Euclid, on the second Tuesday of November, 1814.
The members of Hartford Presbytery set oflF to constitute the
new Presbytery, were Bev. Messrs. Joseph Badger, Giles H.
Cowles, and Thomas Barr. Mr. Badger was appointed to
preach at the opening of the first meeting, and preside until a
moderator should be chosen.

From the records of that meeting, the following is extracted :

Euclid, November 8, 1814.
Presbytery of Grand River met according to appointment of Synod
and was opened with prayer by the Moderator.
Present: Rev. Joseph Badger, Moderator.
Rev. Giles H. Cowlks,

Organization of Presbyteries. 169

Rev. Thomas Barr,

Elder J. Reuble, from the church iu Euclid,

Deacon M. Cook, from the church iu Burton.

Rev. Messrs. Simeon Woodruff and William Hanford being present,
^ere invited to sit as corresponding members.

Rev. J. Badger was chosen Moderator, and Rev. G. 11. Cowles
Scribe.

Mr.Cowles being in a feeble state of health, requested an Assistant
Scribe, which was granted, and Mr. Hanford was appointed.

Presbytery proceeded to discuss and adopt the following regulations
and by-laws :

ARTICLES FOR REGULATION OF GRAND RIVER PRESBYTERY.

Art. 1. The Presbyterj^ shall meet statedly on the first Tuesday of
February and on the fourth Tuesday of August.

2. A Moderator, Scribe, Register and Standing Committee shall be
chosen annually by ballot, who shall hold their offices until others are
chosen to supply their places.

3. The moderator may, on the application of one minister or of one
church, call a special meeting of the Presbytery, and on the applica-
tion of two ministers, it shall be his duty to call such meeting, speci-
fying in his letters of notification the particular business for which
the meeting is called, and no business but what is thus specified shall
be finally decided at said meeting ; and when such special meeting is
called, on the application of any church or individual, that church or
individual shall be at the trouble of communicating the notification to
the several members and churches of the Presbytery ; and this notifi-
cation shall be given to each minister and church at least ten days
before the time appointed for such meeting.

4. All licensing of candidates, ordinations, installations and dismis-
sions of ministers in churches belonging to this body, shall be by this
Presbytery.

5. The standing committee shall consist of five ministers, whose

170 The Plan op Union.

duty it shall be to examine the credentials of ministers and licentiates
who apply for the approbation of this Presbytery during its recess ;
and on receiving satisfaction respecting their qualification to preach
the Gospel, shall, by certificate, recommend them to the churches ;
which recommendation shall extend to the next meeting of Pres-
bytery.

6. No church belonging to this body shall give a call for settlement
to any candidate, until he shall have been approved by this Presby-
tery, or by one or more of their standing committee.

7. Every church belonging to this Presbytery, shall be represented
at the meetings of the Presbytery.

8. Individual churches or members belonging to this Presbytery,
may adopt either the Congregational or Presbyterian mode of govern-
ment and discipline.

9. When those churches which adopt the Congregational mode of
government and discipline, have decided on any case and either party
is aggrieved, appeal may be made to the Presbytery, and their deci-
sion shall be final.

(In 1817 this article was amended as follows:) — When those
churches which adopt the Congregational mode of government and
discipline, have decided on any case, and either part}' is aggrieved,
appeal may be made to Presbytery, whose authority extends only to
the chm-ches and not to individual members. But no further appeals
shall be allowed.

10. When any minister proposes to join this Presbytery, it shall be
the duty of the Presbytery to satisfy themselves with regard to his
religious sentiments and conduct, and admit or reject as they shall
deem expedient; the Presbytery shall also satisfy themselves with
respect to the religious sentiments and Christian practice of every
church before its admission into this body.

11. At each meeting, the Presbytery shall attend to any case of
importance that may be proposed by members wanting light thereon.
It shall also be the duty of each minister and delegate, at the annual

Organization op Presbytehies. 171

meeting in February, to give an account of the state of religion within
the respective churches which they represent ; particularly with re-
gard to revivals of religion, religious instruction of children, observ-
ance of the Sabbath, and attendance on public worship. There shall
also be at each stated meeting one exercise, which shall be subject to
the friendly remarks of the Presbytery, for the particular benefit of
the speaker, who, with his second, shall be appointed at the meeting
next preceding that at which he is to preach. Also, at each stated
meeting, there shall be one or more theological questions or passages
of Scripture proposed for discussion at the ensuing meeting.

12. Every Church, at the annual meeting in February, shall exhibit
the records of their annual proceedings to this Presbytery, for exam-
ination.

13. Every meeting of the Presb^^tery, shall be opened and closed
with prayer.

14. At every meeting of Presbytery, at least half an hour shall be
set apart for social prayer and praise.

15. These regulations shall be read at each annual meeting.

16. Licentiates belonging to the Presbytery shall be answerable to
the Presbytery for their preaching and moral conduct.

17. When a licentiate belonging to this Presbytery wishes to itin-
erate without the bounds of this Presbytery, he shall apply for per-
mission to the Presbytery, or in its recess to the standing committee ;
and when permission shall be given, it shall specify the time of ab-
sence, and be signed by the moderator, or by two of the standing
committee, who shall communicate the same to the Register, to be re-
corded.

18. When such licentiate shall itinerate within the limits of any
other Presbytery, or within those of an association, he shall be di-
rected to exhibit his credentials to them, or to the standing committee,
in order to receive a letter of recommendation to the churches within
their limits.

19. Where a licentiate belonging to this Presbytery, wishes to put

172 The Plan or Union.

himself under the care of another Presbytery, or of an association,
he shall apply for a dismission^^from this body, and^for a recommend-
ation to such particular Presbytery or association.

20. All additions to, or alterations of, these regulations, shall be
proposed at a stated meeting at least four months before such addi-
tions or alterations are adopted ; and they shall not be adopted with-
out the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present.

The following resolution was adopted :

"Resolved, That delegates from churches, who wish to unite with
this Presbytery, be requested to bring the Confession of Faith of said
churches to the next stated meeting."

Churches and ministers were only admitted when their
creed and practice appeared^to^be sound/j

Rev.^S.jWoodruiF was examined^and admitted to member-
ship at this meeting of Presbytery. ":. We shall^see an encour-
aging growth as we trace the history of this infant body.

Burton, Feb. 14th, 1815.
The Committee appointed by the last Presbytery to draft a Confes-
sion of Faith, reported. The Confession which they reported, after
being amended, was adopted by the Presbytery.

CONFESSION OF FAITH FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCHES
BELONGING TO^THIS PRESBYTERY.

1. You believe in one God, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of
the^Uuiverse ; that he is a Being of infinite wisdom, power, justice,
holiness and truth, the self-existent, independent, goodness and un-
changeable fountain of all good.

2. You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
were given by inspiration of God ; that they contain a complete and
harmonious system of ^divine truth, and are the only rule of religious
faith and practice.

Organization of Presbyteries. 173

3. You believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, the
Fatlier, the Sou and the Holy Ghost ; that these three are in essence
one, and in all divine attributes equal.

4. You believe that God governs all things according to his eternal
and infinitely wise purpose, so as to render them conducive to his own
glory and the greatest good of the universe ; and in such a manner as
not to diminish his hatred of sin, the liberty of man, or the import-
ance of the use of means.

5. You believe that God at first created man in his own moral im-
age, consisting in righteousness and true holiness ; that being left to
the freedom of his own will, he fell from that holy and happy state,
by sinning against God ; that since the fall of Adam, all mankind come
into the world destitute of holiness.

6. You believe that in reference to the fall of man, God did from
eternity appoint his only and well beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
to make atonement for sin, and thus provide for the consistent be-
stowraent of pardon on all those that repent and believe the Gospel ;
you believe that as all men in their natural condition reject Christ,
God, therefore, did from eternity choose some of the human race to
salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth;
and that all those whom he has thus chosen, he will renew and sanc-
tify in this life, and keep them by his poAver through faith unto sal-
vation.

7. You believe that Christians are justified freely by grace through
faith in Christ; and that though they are thus freely justified, still
the Law of God as a rule of duty, remains in full force, and they
are under obligation perfectly to obey it.

8. You believe that personal holiness is a certain effect of the re-
newing operations of the Holy Spirit, and affords the consciences of
believers the only scriptural evidence of their justification and title to
a heavenly inheritance.

9. You believe that all arc under solemn obligations to repent and

15*

174 The Plan of Union.

believe, and that therefore every sinner is inexcusable for impenitence
and unbelief.

10. You believe that the visible Church of Christ consists of visible
saints who publicly profess their faith in him ; and that baptised chil-
dren so belong to the church as to be under its care, instruction and
government.

11. You believe in the divine appointment of the Christian Sabbath,
and of the Sacraments of the New Testament, Baptism and the Lord's
Supper, which Christians aie under solemn obligations duly to ob-
serve ; and that believing parents are bound to dedicate their chil-
dren to God in Baptism, and to train them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.

12. You believe that the soul is immortal, and that at the last day
Christ will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness ; that
all the finally impenitent will go away into endless punishment, and
the righteous be received to heaven to enjoy eternal felicity.

COVENANT FOR THE CHURCHES BELONGING TO GRAND RIVER
PRESBYTERY.

You, viewing yourselves subjects of special divine grace, do now in
the presence of God, angels and men, renounce the service of sin, and
avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God and eternal portion, the
Lord Jesus Christ to be your only Saviour, and the Holy Ghost to be
your Sanctifier and Comforter.

You promise to take God's holy Word for your directory, and by
divine assistance to comply with all its injunctions. You solemnly
engage duly to regard all the instituted ordinances of the Gospel.
You promise daily to attend secret prayer ; statedly to attend on the
Lord's Supper ; to observe the first day of the week as the Christian
Sabbath ; not to allow yourselves to be employed on that day in un-
necessary worldly business or conversation, but to devote your time to
the public and private exercises of religion, to the perusal of the Bible
and such other books as are calculated to promote spiritual improve-

Organization of Presbyteries. 175

ment. You, iff-ho are heads of families, promise daily to maintain fam-
Uy religion, by prayer and reading the Word of God ; seasonably to
dedicate j'our children to God in Baptism, to educate, govern and re-
strain from vicious practices and company all under your care.

You severally promise to refrain from unnecessarily mingling in the
society of the vicious and from vain conversation ; and finally to
watch over your brethren in the church, and, if necessary, to reprove
them with Christian meekness ; to submit yourselves to the watch and
and discipline of this church, endeavoring in all things to promote its
spiritual interest ; and to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you
are called, so as to give no just occasion of offense to any.

Of course the above Confession and Covenant were only re-
commended to the churches for their use; but the recommend-
ation was generally complied with, and hence these may be
taken as a fair specimen of the earlier creeds and covenants
of the churches on the Reserve.

ARTICLES FOR THE REGULATION OF CHURCHES BELONGING
TO GRAND RIVER PRESBYTERY.
Art. 1. This Church adopt the regulations proposed by the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, and approved by
the General Association of Connecticut, June 16, 1801, for the promo-
tion of union and harmony among the churches in new settlements.

2. (For Congregational Churches.) This church shall have a stand-
ing committee chosen from their members, consisting of not less than
two and not more than seven, whose duty it shall be to take cogni-
zance of the disorderly conduct of members, and to labor to promote
the spiritual interests of the church.

3. All persons applying for admission to this church, either by let-
ter or otherwise, shall be examined by the officers of the church, all
the members of which shall consider it their duty to attend, and to
ask such questions as they think necessary. If candidates give sat-

176 The Plan op Union.

isfactory evidence to the church of their Christian character, they
shall in ordinary cases be publicly propounded two weeks before their
admission.

4. This church consider it to be their duty not to admit members of
distant churches residing in this vicinity to occasional communion, in
ordinary cases, for a longer period than one year.

6. This church consider it the duty of male heads of families, and,
when circumstances do not forbid, of those who are females, daily to
read the Scriptures and pray in their families. They also recommend
t to all heads of families, that singing praises to God be considered
as a part of family worship.

6. This church consider it an important duty that heads of families
instruct and govern their children, and all under their care, agreea-
bly to the Word of God, endeavoring to restrain them from evil prac-
tices and from vicious company ; and directing them by parental au-
thority to attend catechetical lectures appointed by the pastor or
church whenever circumstances will permit.

7. This church consider it their duty to pay special attention to
their baptized children ; and that parents and others who are mem-
bers of this church, having the more immediate care of such children,
shall be accountable to the chm'ch for their religious instruction and
government, so long as they continue members of their families

for any evident neglect of religious instruction or government, shall
be as liable to discipline as for any other offense whatever.

8. This chui-ch consider the collecting of hay or grain on the Sab-
bath, attending to any part of the business of making sugar, the vis-
iting of friends except in cases of sickness, and the prosecution of
j ournej^s on that day, without special necessity, a violation of Chris-
tian duty.

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF GRAND RIVER PRESBYTERY.

A few pages of extracts from the minutes of tbe Presbjtery,
may serve to exhibit its practical workings, for a few years.

Organization of Presbyteriek. 177

The first report of the new Presbytery, to the General Aewin-
bly, was exhibited May 1815.

They reported that they consisted of seven members and had under
their care eight congregations. The ministers were Messrs. Badger,
Cowles, Barr, Seward, Coe, Woodruff and Hanford.

CuuRCHES — Austinburg and Morgan, Euclid, Aurora, Hudson,
Mantua, Nelson, Burton, and Rootstown. Mr. Coe preached at Ver-
non, Hartford and Kinsman, and Mr. Woodruff at Talmadge, to
churches not then connected -with Presbytery. The membership of
the cliurches at this time, connected with Presbytery, numbered 239 ;
the baptisms for the year were 44 infants.

The next year. May, 1816, the Presbytery reported to the General
Assembly : that they consisted of 9 members, and had under their
care 15 congregations. The ministers added were Rev. Messrs, Leslie
and Humphrey. Alvan Coe was taken under the care of Presbytery,
as a candidate for the ministry. The added churches were Harpers-
field, Talmadge, Vernon, Sharon, Painesville, Hamden, Greene and
Johnston ; communicants, 395 ; baptisms, 4 adults, 91 infants. Dur-
ing the year, the Presbytery had installed Rev. Mr. Hanford, at Hud-
son, and Rev. Mr. Humphrey, at Burton.

June 11, 1816. In view of the great dearth both in temporal and
spiritual things, the Presbytery appointed a day of fasting, humilia-
tion and prayer.

At the same meeting, dissertations were read on the following ques-
tions : — First, Is it sinful to attend balls ? Second, Ought professors
of religion to be disciplined for attending balls ? Third, Ought pro-
fessors of religion to be disciplined for allowing their children to at-
tend balls ? Presbytery decided the questions in the affirmative ; the
first two unanimously, and the last by a large majorit3\

The question. Is it the duty of a church to call to account commu-
nicants, who absent themselves from the communion when able to at-
tend ? was discussed and decided in the affirmative.

178 The Plan OF Union.

At almost all the meetings of Presbytery, dissertations were read,
by previous appointment, on topics of doctrinal or practical interest ;
c. g., in addition to the above, the following questions were written
upon : — What is the true ground of a sinner's obligation to repent ?
In what relation do baptized ehildren stand to the church ? What
was the covenant of which circumcision was the seal ? Can a Chris-
tian consistently marry a person openly vicious ?

August 22, 1816. Resolved, That it be recommended to all the
ministers and churches belonging to this body, to call their baptized
childi'en together for special instruction and prayer, at least as often
as a lecture preparatory to the Lord's Supper shall be delivered.

February 12, 1817. Resolved, to take measures to form a Society
for the education of indigent, pious, young men for the ministry, with-
in the limits of this Presbytery, and that a committee be appointed to
report on the subject. Rev. Messrs. Cowles and Pitkin and Deacon S.
Mills, were appointed. The committee reported favorably, and a con-
stitution drawn up by them was adopted.

May, 1817. The Presbytery report that they consist of nine mem-
bers and twenty congregations, and one licentiate. Rev. A. Coe.

The new chui'ches were, Williamsfield, Dover, Madison, Kingsville
and Ashtabula, Brecksville and Braceville. Thirteen out of the 20
were reported vacant.

The membership now numbered 599 ; baptisms for the year, adults,
35 ; infants, 160.

Burton, June 10, 1817. Rev. Alvan Coe was ordained an evangel-
ist. Mr. Coe was appointed to labor as a missionary west of the
Cuyahoga.

September 24, 1817. Presbytery met and installed Rev. J. Treat
as pastor of the church in Sharon.

July 6, 1818. Installed Rev. Amasa Loomis Pastor over the church
in Painesville.

Oroanizatton of Presbyteries. 179

rourth report of grand river rresbytery, to general
assembly, may, 1818.

Presbytery consist of twelve members and twenty-five congrega-
tions. Ministers added hist year, Rev. Messrs. Pitkin, Treat, and A .
Coe. Churches added, Bristol and Bloomfield, Streetsborough, Stowe
and Harrisville, and Number 5, 14th Range. Members, 652.

August 18, 1818. Voted to request the Synod of Pittsburgh to
annex to this Presbytery the townships Nos. 3 and 4, in the several
Ranges in the county of Trumbull, which are now included within the
limits of the Hartford Presbytery.

The Presbjtcry frequently acknowledges the receipt of small
sums of money from the ''Female Charitable Societies'' in
Euclid, Aurora, and other places, for educational and mission-
ary purposes.

August 19, 1818. Voted to request the Synod of Pittsburg to set
off that part of Grand River Presbytery which lies west of the east
line of Portage and Cuyahoga counties into a new Presbytery.

The Presbytery of Portage was constituted, in accordance
with the above request, by an act of the Synod of Pittsburg,
October 7, 1818. The first meeting was held at Hudson,
December 8, 1818. The constitution and regulations of this
Presbytery, and the Confession of Faith and Covenant recom-
mended to the churches connected with it, do not diiBfer mate-
rially from those of the Grand River Presbytery, and therefore
need not be here inserted.

At their first meeting, the Portage Presbytery fbrnKMl a Do-
mestic Missionary Soeieiy for tlieir own bounds, which was
instrumental in the settlement of several ministers within the

180 The Plan of Union-

limits of the Presbytery (the Presbytery at this time extend-
ing to the west line of the Reserve).

An Education Society was also formed at the first meeting
of the Presbytery, which was instrumental in aiding several
young men in their preparation for the ministry, of whom
President Sturtevant, of Illinois College, is one.

PRESBYTERY OF HURON.

The Huron Presbytery was organized upon a basis similar
to that of the others, in 1823. The following extracts are
taken from the Constitution of this Presbytery :

Art. 4. The licensing of candidates, the ordination and installation
of ministers over, and dismissing them from, churches belonging to
this body, shall be by the Presbytery.

5. The standing committee shall consist of not less than two, nor
more than six ministers, whose duty it shall be to examine the cre-
dentials of ministers and licentiates who shall apply for the approba-
tion of this Presbytery during its recess ; and on receiving satisfac-
tion respecting their qualifications to preach the Gospel, they shall
recommend them to the churches, which recommendation shall extend
to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery. It shall be the duty of
the standing committee to give permission to candidates wishing to
itinerate beyond the bounds of the Presbytery, &c.

6. Licentiates under the care of this Presbytery shall be amenable
to it for their preaching and moral conduct.

10. When any minister proposes to join this Presbytery, it shall be
the duty of the Presbytery, to satisfy themselves respecting his reli-
gious sentiments and conduct, and admit or reject, as they shall deem
expedient. The Presbytery shall also satisfy themselves respecting
the religious sentiments and Christian practice of any church, before
admitting it into this body.

Organization of Presbyteries. 181

11. Ministers belonging to this body, when called upon to organize
a church, shall deem it their duty to instruct those "who are wishing
to be organized into a church, respecting the regulations of this body,
and the importance of churches being connected with some ecclesias-
tical body ; and when ohurches shall be formed by such ministers
within the limits of this Presbytery, such churches shall be consid-
ered as under the care of this body.

12. Individual ministers or churches belonging to this Presbytery,
may adopt either the Congregational mode of government and disci
pline, or the Presbyterian.

13. When those churches which adopt the Congregational mode of
government and discipline, have decided a case, and either party is
aggrieved, appeal may be made to the Presbytery, whose authority
extends only to the churches and not to the individual members ; but
the appeal may not be carried to the General Assembly or Synod.

14. This Presbytery shall be the standing council of the churches
tinder their care, to whom all cases of difficulty, in which counsel or
advice is desired, shall be referred ; unless permission be obtained
from the Presbytery to call a select council.

15. In all cases of trial, the evidence on both sides shall be fairly
taken and recorded by the judicatory, and in cases of appeal this er-
idence shall be presented to the superior judicatory as the ground of
decision.

16. No church belonging to this body shall give a call for settle-
ment to any candidate or minister, until he shall have been approved
by the Presbytery, or two of the standing committee. Nor shall the
Presbytery ordain a candidate until he shall have put himself under
^heir care ; nor install a minister until he shall have joined this body.

17. Every church belonging to this Presbytery, shall be represented
at the meetings of the Presbytery by one delegate.

19. Each church shall at the stated meeting in April, exhibit their
records to the Presbytery for examination.
16

182 The Plan of Union.

22. These regalations shall be read to the Presbytery annually at
the sessions in which the officers are chosen.

23. (Provides for altering the constitution by a vote of two-thirds,
after four months notice.) But the twelfth article shall never be af-
fected by any additions or alterations which these regulations may
receive.

SYNOD OF THE WESTERN RESERVE.

In May, 1825, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church, " after hearing the papers relating to the erection of
a new Synod,'' and duly considering the subject,

Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Grand River, Portage and Hu-
ron, be, and they hereby are detached from the Synod of Pittsburg,
and constituted a new Synod, to be designated by the name of Synod
of the Western Reserve ; that they hold their first meeting at Hudson,
on the fourth Tuesday of September next, at 11 o'clock A. M. ; and
that the Rev. Joseph Badger preach the Synodical sermon and act as
Moderator, till another be chosen ; or in case of his failure, then the
oldest minister present shall officiate in his place.

Sept. 25th, 1825. The Synod of the Western Reserve, agreeably to
appointment by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in
the United States, met in the Presbyterian Church in Hudson, at 11
o'clock, and was opened by the Rev. J. Badger, with a sermon on
2 Cor. iv: 5 — "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the Lord."

After prayer the following persons were recognized as members of
the Synod, viz :

FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF GRAND RIVER.

Ministers — Rev. J. Badger, G. H. Cowles, D. D., E. T. Woodruff,
N. B.L arrow, J. Leslie, H. Coe, L.Humphrey, J. W. Curtis, R. Stone,
U. Palmer, P. Pratt.

Elders and Members of the Standing Committee — A. Griswold,
L. Tomlinson, J. M. Martin, S. Witter, S. Atkins, .F. Proctor, R. Bee-
man.

Organization op Presbyteries. 183
from the presbytery of i'ortage.

Ministers — llev. R. J. Keys, C. Pitkin, J. Seward, AV. Hanford,
J. Treat, C. B. Storrs, J. Merriam.

Eldeks, &c. — O. Norton, B. Spencer, G. Kilbourne, T. Conant,
W. Dickinson, D. Williams, A. North, E. Bostwick.

FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF HURON.

Ministers — Rev. S. Woodruff, J. Shailer, L. B. Sullivan, S. S.
Bradstreet, D. W. Latbrop.

Elders, &c. — S. Bixley, J. D. Crocker.

Absent from the Grand River Presbytery — Revs. A, Jones, W. L.
Strong, G. Sheldon, A. Morse, J. Winchester, D. Miller.

From the Presbytery of Portage — Revs. J. Field, B. Fenn.

From the Presbytery of Huron — Revs. A. Coe, A. H. Betts, J. Mer-
cer, E. Congar.

Rev. G. H. Cowles, D. D., was chosen Moderator ; Rev, W. Han-
ford, Stated Clerk ; Rev. J. Treat, Permanent Clerk ; Rev. S. Brad-
street, Temporary Clerk.

The Presbytery of Grand River reported that they consisted of fif-
teen members, and had under their care thirty-six congregations, and
two licentiates, viz: D. Miller and J. Pepoon. Of the fifteen minis-
ters, eight were settled pastors. The membership of the churches in
Grand River Presbytery, numbered at that time thirteen hundred and
thirty seven.

The Presbytery of Portage consisted of nine ministers and twenty
congregations. Seven of its ministers were pastors. Membership,
seven hundred and forty-three.

Presbytery of Huron numbered nine ministers and twenty-nine
congregations ; five of the ministers pastors ; membership of the
churches, six hundred and five.

Thus was completed the organization of the Presbyterial Ee-
clesiasticism of the Western Reserve. And here was offered

184 The Plan of Union.

the gratifying spectaele of a vigorous, harmonious Synod, built
up, from the very first, upon the Plan of Union. As a Synod,
it was, what it ever continued to be, Calvanistic in doctrine, or-
derly in its polity and practice, devout in spirit, and efficient
in laboring for all the higher interests of the Kingdom of
Christ on earth.

Seldom, if ever, were the majority of churches and minis-
ters united in one body, more contented and gratified with
their institutions, or more attached to each other, than were
these, during several years after the organization of the Synod.

It was not discovered by the better portion of the ministers
and churches embraced in the Synod, that either Presbyterians
or Congregationalists had surrendered aught that was vital and
valuable in their respective systems ; or that either was dis-
posed to make a gain of the other.

A few jealous persons and restless agitators there were, who
at times expressed dissatisfaction with the Union ; but happily,
for many years, they were few, and not zealous or- influential
enough to breed a schism.

Of the healthy, constant and rapid growth of the Synod and
Presbyteries, we need not delay to speak at length.

The Table, prepared in 1836, by Rev. A. R. Clarke,
shows the great increase of churches and ministers up to that
date.

Had the entire Presbyterian and Congregational interests of
the Reserve continued until the present time, to prosper, as
they did up to about the year 1836, the happy consequences
would have been perhaps too gratifying.

But " it must needs be that ofl"enses come ''; and come they

Organization op Presbyteries. 185

did. "VYe will not, however, add the other clause of the Sa-
viour's remark ; to him belongs judgment and recompense.
Suffice it to say, that for the churches and ecclesiastial bodies
of the Reserve, troubles, agitations and perils were in store,
above what fall to the lot of most sections of the church, at
the present day. The beginnings of these things must next
engage our attention.

As we advance, the reader will perceive, that dissatisfaction
at length arose on both sides, and that the Synod has for
many years been situated between two hostile forces, each in-
tent upon its demolition. If, under these circumstances, it
has not always enjoyed an enviable reputation, who can won-
der ? That, amid all its trials, it has carried itself commend-
ably, and preserved, in the main, an orderly and Christly
spirit, only its enemies will deny. And it is probable that
it has been as fruitful in all good works, as any branch of the
church, similarly circumstanced, could be. Dig away the soil
from the best tree, — belabor it yearly with clubs and stones,
and graft upon it scions of the crab and thorn, and its fruit-
fulness must be diminished.
16*

CHAPTER III.

CONGREGATIONALISM AGAINST THE PLAN OF
UNION.

The fraternal communion and harmony of the Churches on
the Reserve, were not seriously interrupted, nor the existing
order of things often spoken against, before the year 1832.
Occasionally, even from the time when the first Presbytery was
organized, a zealous sectarian, generally but recently arrived,
and ignorant of the origin and natural growth of religious or-
ganizations on the Reserve, would put forth a feeling plea for
the ecclesiastism of his ^' fathers." A few hoped, in time, to
see the Union system give way to exclusive Presbyterianism,
or pure Congregationalism.

But the true fathers of the church of the Reserve, the lib-
eral, judicious and godly men, who had by their toil and sac-
rifices, and God's blessing, changed the wilderness into a
fruitful field, still swayed an influence, which easily neu-
tralized the complaints of such malcontents. So beautifully
and efl&ciently did the existing order subserve the purposes of

(186)

Opposition of Congregation ali.sm . 187

a Church polity, that it was difficult for even an enemy to wag
his tongue against it.

But there never was, on earth, an Eden into which a ser-
pent did not creep. When the devil cannot harass the people
of God by foreign enemies, it is his common policy to create
dissension, and array them against each other. Whether for
good or evil in the end, prosperity and peace, in time, breed
discontent and schism, as surely as the calm breeds the bur-
ricane.

About the years 1831-2, the Congregational element on the
Reserve, was much increased by the arrival of zealous minis-
ters and laymen, from the east, who had little knowledge of,
and as little regard for, the origin and history of the churches
and Presbyteries of the region. Eager to make their mark,
and to reproduce the ecclesiasticism of the older States ; and
having no adequate apprehension of the evils, agitations and
strifes that must attend reorganizations and the transformation
of indigenous institutions; ignorant of the attachment of the
churches and people generally to their ecclesiasticism, and
confident of their own ability speedily to correct what they
considered the absurdities and irregularities of the West ; these
persons began to stir up the more mobile and disaffected ele-
ments, that were scattered through the churches, and agitate
the subject of a change in church order and connections.

Cognizant of these movements and tendencies, the Rev. J.
Seward, ever a Congregationalist in sentiment, but ever the
fast friend and guardian of the Church of the Reserve, sought

CD / C

to forestall the evils of agitation and schism, by publishing a
series of articles in the Ohio Observer, in the year 1831, en-

188 The Plan of Union.

titled ^' Brief Statements upon the History of the Churches
on the Western Reserve." These " Statements/' clear, can-
did and explanatory of the origin and growth of the Churches
and Presbyteries, under the Plan of Union, served to enlighten
and satisfy many of the more recent immigrants, and repressed,
though they could not entirely prevent, the rising disaffection.
The leaven of sectarianism, having got into the mass, true to
its evil nature, would work.

In April, 1832, a communication appeared in the Observer,
signed A — S — , advocating pure Congregationalism. This
A. S. enjoys the equivocal honor of commencing, through the
press, a discussion of Western Reserve Ecclesiasticism, which
has been " both long and loud ", and fertile in bitterness.

The writer said — " As there are a variety of opinions on
Church Government, I have thought proper to give mine;
which I think accords with the Bible and the practice of the
Puritans." His opinion was, that each church is a sovereign,
independent body; and that there can be no ecclesiastical con-
trol exercised over the churches, without infringing upon their
rights, and the rights of the great head of the church.

The Editor of the Observer remarked, relative to the publi-
cation of the article — ** We have come to the conclusion that
a fair discussion of the subject, pro and con, will do more good
than hurt. We shall therefore open our columns to the dis-
cussion for a time. There is no danger of too much investi-
gation."

Probably posterity will differ with the Editor relative to the
resulting proportions of good and evil, from this discussion.
There is no danger of too much '^ investigation" properl}

Opposition op Congregationalism. 189

conducted; but much danger of ''too much" partizan zeal
and uncharitable denunciation and discontent ; as time has
shown. The good to result from that discussion seems to be,
as yet, mainly a matter of faith ; the evil has been obvious
these many years.

About the same time that the Congregational opposition to
the Presbyteries began openly to operate, disaiFection began to
be expressed also by the Presbyterian relations, at a distance.
It is but just to say that the Presbyterians of the Reserre,
never much disturbed the existing order. We have seen that
Mr. Barr, the most disaflfected of the ministers, left the field
to seek a stronger Presbyterianism elsewhere. Would it not
have been better, if certain Congregationalists had imitated his
example ? But the disaffection which grew up, in other parts
of the Presbyterian Church, toward the Synod of the Reserve,
may have stimulated the opposition of the Congregationalists;
and certainly, greatly increased the embarrassments of the
Synod. Of this, more hereafter.

In January, 1833, an article, signed " Timothy," was pub-
lished, warning the churches against dissensions and the influ-
ence of an agitating oligarchy.

In April of the same year, the Presbytery of Portage issued
a Circular to the churches under their care, designed to coun-
teract the growing discontent. From that paper the following
extracts are taken :

Individuals in several of the churches under our care, have ex-
pressed a measure of solicitude in regard to the form of government
which we have adopted, and desire that a change may bo effected.
While such has been the fact in regard to some,. we apprehend that

190 The Plan op Union.

the great body of members in our churches are satisfied that any
change in our present organization would occasion divisions, be at-
tended with consequences very undesirable, and produce a breach
among brethren which we should all deplore. Under this organiza-
tion the great Head of the church has favored us with his approbation.
A degree of union and love, seldom experienced, has been enjoyed ;
which we desire to see perpetuated, that our united efforts may be
directed, free from diverting causes, to the future prosperity of our
Zion.

The Circular points out the Union features of the Presby-
tery, so happily adapted to all the churches, and proceeds —

The Presbytery has never sought to dictate, nor to change the form
of organization, adopted by any of the churches. When a church
has been formed by members of the Presbytery, the individuals
comprehended in the church have decided as to its form of govern-
ment. If a majority of the male members were Congregationalists,
the church adopted the Congregational mode of government and dis-
cipline. If a majority were Presbyterians, the mode of government
and discipline adopted corresponded with their views. The minority
acquiesced in the decision, and lived harmoniously with the majority.
Nor are we acquainted with a single instance in which the minority
in a church has attempted to affect a change in the form of govern-
ment, or to make difficulties on the subject. Nor are we acquainted
with any instance in which such attempts have been made by minis-
ters belonging to this Presbytery.

To the Congregational churches, the Presbytery is a standing coun-
cil, to which they may come with their difficulties, and receive the
advice needed. As a bond of Union, and a guardian of the purity of
doctrines and order in the ministry, the Presbytery also stands to the
Congregational churches in the relation of a Consociation ; while to
the Presbyterian churches it is strictly a Presbytery.

The article further stated the origin of the Presbyteries, and

Opposition of Congregationalism. 191

the improbability, at that time, of otherwise uniting the feeble
churches, so much in need of co-operation and care.

This Circular was signed by Kev. Wm. Hanford, Stated Clerk
of the Presbytery; and bears the mark of his clear, candid,
Christian spirit and sentiment in its composition. Had such
of the New England brethren as Messrs. Hanford and Seward,
opposed the existing ecclesiasticism, it might soon have been
demolished. But that class of ministers too well knew its
value.

Portage Presbytery had now become the leading Presbytery
in the Synod; and this circular combined, with other influ-
ences, to allay somewhat the spirit of revolution.

A new importation of eastern denominationalists was needed
to revive the agitation ; and in due time they appeared.

Prominent amongst the first disturbing elements in the re-
gion, about this period, were a class of itinerant evangelists,
who introduced much novel machinery in promoting set revi-
vals, which were, no doubt, well intended, but which so far
ignored divine agency in conversion, and so worked upon the
mere emotions of unindoctrinated people, particularly youth,
as to become suspicious and even odious to those who had
confidence in the usual means of grace.

About the same time, a crusade was preached against all
denominationalism, and in favor of what was named Union-
ism ; which was in fact an effort to destroy all true union and
co-operation, and abolish all denominations, in order to collect
all nominal Christians into one hetereogenous mass, — a kind
of Socialism, that is only practicable under anarchy or Popery.

In July, 1835, the movement in behalf of Congregational-

19i2 ThePlanopUnion.

ism was revived ostensibly by the church at Hudson. Messrs.
D. Hudson, O. Brown and Gr. Kilbourne, having been ap-
pointed by that church as a committee of inquiry and corresl
pondence, relative to the formation of a new ecclesiastica-
organization, published an article to the churches, to the
effect, that the union of Congregational churches with the
Greneral Assembly, was both undesirable to Presbyterians, (as
the eiforts made to secure a separation indicated,) and un-
profitable to Congregationalists. " They are dissatisfied with
us; and we do not want to share their agitations." The
committee *' believe that the union should be dissolved ;"
and therefore make suggestions relative to the formdation of
a Congregational Association. The movement aims at the
union, " so far as possible, without the sacrifice of fundamen-
tal principles "of all those churches" which now constitute the
Synod of the Western Reserve," and also a Union " to a
wider extent, with all such churches as shall approve of our
principles," — (a union to be effected by universal disunion /)
Although the Hudson Committee were the ostensible leaders
in this movement, it was claimed that it did not originate
there ] and a plan of organization was published, purporting
to have been furnished to the committee by a minister in an-
other part of the Reserve.

To show what shape the effort assumed at this period, we
condense and extract from the proposed basis as follows :

Each church shall be independent in its government, subject to no
ecclesiastical authority, possessing the right to manage its internal
affairs either by a bench of elders, a standing committee, or by the
whole body of the church.

Opposition of Congregationalism. 193

There shall be an annual meeting of the associated Pastors and
Churches, which may examine and license candidates; ordain, install
and dismiss pastors; exercise original jurisdiction in all cases of com-
plaint or discipline, against ministers, members of their own body ;
give advice on questions of faith, practice, or discipline, referred to
them by the churches ; and consult respecting the best means of ad-
vancing holiness in the churches and communities.

Each church may bear such name as it may choose, or as may have
been given to it at its incorporation.

The body composing the annual meeting may adopt such name as
shall be mutually agreed upon, perhaps Consociated Presbytery.

The Consociated Presbytery did not, however, get itself con-
sociated as readily as was hoped.

A communication soon appeared, signed " S. J. B." (Brad-
street,) maintaining that Presbytcrianism '' is a thousand times
better than Congregationalism," yet anticipating a rupture with
the General Assembly, and discussing the propriety of a se-
cession on the part of the Western Reserve Synod and the en-
tire New School party, from the General Assembly. S. J. B.
believes that ''the Western Reserve Synod are unanimous
enough in feeling safely to take the lead in such a move-
ment;" yet deprecates the step as one that would be ruinous
in its influence upon other Synods, and the general interests
of the church. Nor does he believe that the Western Reserve
churches could agree upon any thing else that would satisfy
them as well as the present arrangement.

To this communication Esq. Hudson replied, in behalf of
Cougregutiormlists ; uuiintaiiiiug that the people and churches
on the Reserve were mostly Congregational ; that in their in-
fancy they were taken under the care of Presbytery, expecting

17

194 The Plan op Union.

to be dismissed as soon as they were able to go alone ; declar-
ing further that " they do not enjoy their rights in the pres-
ent connection, and will not long submit to the control of
Presbytery."

A convention was called at Hudson Sept. 3, 1835, immedi-
ately after Commencement in the Western Reserve College,
to consider the subject of a change in ecclesiastical institutions.
Addresses were made by Rev. Messrs. Lyman, Beecher, who
was in attendance at the Commencement Exercises, Hanford and
Palmer, and Messrs. Kingsbury, Hudson and Baldwin. After
discussion, Messrs. Hanford, Keep and Baldwin were appointed
a committee to state to the churches the reasons why the con-
vention '^ deem it inexpedient to take measures, at this time,
for altering the present system of church government.''

The committee appointed to make the statement, for some
reason, failed to co-operate; and at length Mr. Hanford, in
behalf of the committee, addressed a model letter to the
churches, setting forth, in substance, that, ( 1 ) No adequate
reasons exist for making a change. The churches now enjoy
their rights, and conduct their government in the manner pre-
ferred by them, without restraint or compulsion by Presbytery.
They could gain no privileges by a change which they do not
now enjoy. Under the present arrangement they have pros-
pered and grown rapidly for many years. Twenty years be-
fore, their membership numbered but a few hundred; now
there were as many thousands ; the ministry meantime had
increased nearly ten-fold ; and the benevolent contributions
had increased from almost nothing to nearly ten thousand
dollars per year. ( 2 ) Moreover, circumstances imperative j

Opposition of Congregationalism. 195

forbade any such action at that time. No other plan was pro-
posed which could unite the churches. No evidence existed
that any considerable number, out of the one hundred and
fifty churches, desired a change. A change, to accommodate
the few dissatisfied, would be unwarrantable.

A break-up would divide the churches into three parties, —
ultra Presbyterians, Unionists, and ultra Congregationalists.
Churches would split and be unable to support their minis-
ters ; jealousies would be fermented, and the church generally
diverted from its proper aim. Moreover, great questions were
coming up in the Presbyterian Church, relative to co-operative
benevolence, and kindred subjects, and it was the duty of this
Synod to bear its part in deciding them. Should it now se-
cede, its example would be imitated, and God alone could
foresee where the schism would stop.

At this time another valuable series of articles appeared
from the pen of Rev. J. Seward, entitled, "Brief Considera-
tions on Congregationalism," exhibiting the multiplicity of
forms and indefiuitness of Congregationalism, and illustrat-
ing, from history, some of the difl&culties attending the admin-
istration of church government by this method; and exhorting
the churches to be content with their present comfortable po-
sition, and not incur the evils of division, for uncertain and
doubtful gains.

Thus the Congregational movement was again checked, and,
so far as the organization of the '^ Consociated Presbytery" was
concerned, suppressed.

Meantime, however, a small organization had got into nom-
nal existence under the name of " Independent Congrega-

196 The Plan op Union.

tional Union of the Western Reserve f but of the manner of
its birth, or its history, the present writer has learned nothing
definite. At a meeting held' at Palmyra, August 27, 1835,
the following churches were represented, viz: — the churches
in Williamsfield, Wayne, G-reene, Andover, Pittsburgh, Akron,
Copley, Shalersville, Northfield and Elimburgh, Pa.

THE OBERLIN MOVEMENT.

Congregationalism had now secured another company of
brave recruits from abroad, ready to do battle for her inter-
ests, with all the zeal and confidence of former pioneers. The
next year, 1836, another convention was therefore called at
Hudson, to accomplish the task in which last year's conven-
tion failed. The Observer, then edited by Rev. A. R. Clark,
remonstrated, as usual^ against needless agitation, believing
that, " under present circumstances, the existing organizations
harmonize and satisfy all parties better than any new organiz-
ation could do.''

The convention, however, met August 25, 1836, and was
attended by about thirty ministers and delegates, from nearly
as many churches. Amongst the advocates for organizing a
Congregational Union, were President Mahan and Professor
Cowles, of Oberlin ; Rev. Messrs. Rockwell, Austin, Porter,
and several laymen. Amongst those who opposed the move-
ment, were Rev. Messrs. S. C. Aiken, Hanford, Sheldon,
Parmelee, Eells and Clarke ; Harmon Kingsbury, S. Baldwin,
and others.

After discussing the resolution that, " It is now expedient
to form a Congregational Union for the Western Reserve,'' it

Opposition of Congregationalism. 197

was passed, with the understanding that the vote was only
advisory.

Rev. Messrs. Prof. Cowles, J". Poole and D. Rockwell, and
Deacons Elizur Wright and A. Kilbourne, were appointed to
draft a Constitution.

The convention adjourned to meet at Oberlin on the 15th
and 16th of September following. At that meeting nineteen
churches were represented, and seventeen formally received
through their delegates.

A Constitution was presented, modified, and adopted as fol-
lows :

Art. 1. This body shall be called the General Association of the
Western Reserve, and shall be formed of ministers, and not more
than two delegates from each of the churches connected with it. ( If
delegates were included, why was it not named Consociation ?)

2. The object of this Association is not to exercise any ecclesias-
tical control Or jurisdiction, nor to be a standing council to the
churches (provided, nevertheless, that it shall withdraw Chi'istian
communion and fellowship from any ministers or churches proving
themselves fundamentally corrupt in doctrine or practice). But it
shall be its object to afford to such of them as choose the free exer-
cise of their Congregational rights, to facilitate and promote Christian
intercourse and communion with one another, to support and aid each
other in difficulties and trials, and to unite their counsels and efforts
for the welfare of the churches, the salvation of souls, and the gen-
eral interests of Christ's Kingdom.

3. Any minister of the Gospel may become a member of this body
by assenting to this Constitution, and by presenting proper testimo-
nials of his Christian character and standing in the ministry.

4. Any Congregational Church on the Reserve, may join the Asso-
ciation by giving evidence that it is a church of Christ, and by assent-

17*

198 The Plan of Union.

ing to this Constitution. Churches in places adjacent to the Reserve,
may likewise join the Association on the same terms.

5. This Association, believing that we are bound to offer Christian
communion and fellowship to all whom Christ receives, design to com-
prise in our creed no other points than such as we deem essential to
salvation, of which the following is a summary :

CREED.
Art. 1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only infallible
rule of faith and practice.

2. We believe in one God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe,
existing in a divine and incomprehensible Trinity, the Father, the
Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, and possessing all divine per-
fections.

3. We believe in the fall of our first parents, and the consequent
entire apostacy and depravity and lost condition of the human race.

4. We believe in the incarnation, death and atonement of the Son
of God, and that salvation is attained only through repentance and
faith in his blood.

5. We believe in the necessity of a radical change of heart, and
that this is effected through the truth, by the agency of the Holy
Ghost.

6. We believe that the moral law is binding upon all mankind as
the rule of life, and that obedience to it is the proper evidence of a
saving change.

7. We believe that credible evidence of a change of heart is an in-
dispensible ground of admission to the privileges of the visible church.

8. We believe that Christ has appointed Baptism and the Lord's
Supper to be perpetually observed in the church. (This article, in
the copy now used by the Oberlin Church, includes "the Christian
Sabbath" aa of "perpetual obligation in the Church.")

9. We believe in a future judgment, the endless happiness of the
righteous, and the endless misery of the wicked.

Opposition op Congregationalism. 19

The sixth article of the Constitution provides for ofl&cers,
meetings, &c.

Art. 7 of the Constitution : Any churches embraced in this General
Association, may associate or consociate themselves in smaller bodies,
in such manner as they please, not inconsistent with the principles of
this Constitution.

Note. While we adopt the foregoing Confession of Faith and Con-
stitution, as the basis of this Association, we, as a body, avow our
adherence to the system of doctrines, and to the usages generally
received among orthodox Congregational Churches in New England.
We wish it to be distinctly understood that it is far from our intention
to propose a substitution of the Articles of Faith of this Association,
in the churches, instead of those which they have already adopted.

The following resolutions were also adopted :

1. That this Association has originated in an honest attachment to
the principles of Congregationalism, in a wish to carry out our Sa-
viour's laws of Christian Union, and in a regard for the welfare of
many churches, both on the Reserve and in the region south of us,
that have not been connected with any ecclesiastical body, and have
been waiting for and desiring an organization of this sort.

2, This Association entertain a high regard for the Presbyterian
ministers and churches on the Reserve, and would most cordially
cherish their Christian fellowship, and our movement in forming our-
selves into a distinct organization has not originated in any lack of
confidence in those brethren, nor in any wish to be dissociated from
their communion.

Thus, at last, the Union got itself organized under the name
of Association, but prophets were not wanting who augured only
disunion and distraction as the fruits of the movement; and
some churches and ministers, who at first entered into the pro-

200 The Plan of Union.

ject, soon after fell away. Whether in doing so, they '^fell
from grace/' we are not informed.

In both the constitution and the doctrinal basis here adopted,
we find something quite different from those upon which the
Presbyteries were founded. After reading the fourth, fifth
and seventh articles of the Constitution, together with the Ar-
ticles of Faith, one cannot but think of the Michigan brother's
definition of Congregationalism : ''a ten acre lot, with a pair
of bars on one side, but no fence around it.'' Good enough,
if nothing mischievous needs to be kept out.

The Ohio Observer, by request, published the proceedings
of the Convention, accompanying them with the following
editorial :

We have before expressed our views relative to this movement, and
our reasons for believing that the time for a change in our church
polity had not yet come, and that evils would follow if a move should
now be made.

But a move has been made ; a new organization will be completed ;
and our earnest wish now is, that it may be founded on such principles
as will most effectually secure peace and harmony to the churches, and
be best calculated to avert the evils which we have predicted.

The fundamental principle of the effort is that of bringing all Chris-
tians into one church or denomination. All Christians may unite, —
Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregationalists,
&c., — all who hold so much of Bible truth as is necessary to salvation.
There is no mention made of the doctrines of Election, Perseverance of
the Saints, Justification by Faith, Infant Baptism, &c. The principle
is, we are bound to offer communion and fellowship to all whom Christ
receives. Is this principle a good one, and can it be adopted ? We
think not. Many of the doctrines which they hold are fundamentally
wrong, and have a ruinous tendency. They may be Christians, but

Opposition of Congregationalism. 201

so long as they hold these erroneous doctrines we can not consistently
receive them to full communion ; and thus declare to the world that
in our opinion the denomination to which they belong is strictly
Christian.

The article proceeds to point out other objectionable fea-
tures in the Constitution above given.

The fundamental error adopted by the Association, consists,
not in offering fellowship and communion with all whom Christ
receives, but in identifying church relationship with Christian
fellowship, and aiming to effect a spiritual union by mere ex-
ternal aggregation and amalgamation. True Christian union
is to be effected, not by a loose organization and lowering down
of the terms of church membership so as to accommodate every-
body, but by sufiusing all denominations and churches with
the charity of the Gospel, and begetting that mutual love
which overlooks and tolerates external differences. A hete-
rogenous conglomerate of discordant elements is very far from
the true ideal of a church.

It is, however, worthy of record, that the church at Oberlin
has stood, so far, as the embodied realization of the above basis.
With how much real interior unity its members best know.

It was a little curious that the first convention, out of which
the Oberlin Association grew, was called in Hudson ; though
the union could not there get itself born.

Immediately after the organization effected at Oberlin, the
Rev. J. Seward again lifted up his voice of caution and admo-
nition ; calling attention to the established organizations, the
Presbyteries, as best suited to the wants of the churches. The
ground taken by the Observer caused a slight curtailment of its

202 The Plan of Union •

subscription list, by those who entered the Association. Mr.
Mahan immediately sent forth a sermon on the principles of
Christian union, and Church fellowship. And the Observer
republished the circular of Portage Presbytery, first sent out
in 1833.

The Presbytery of Trumbull also published a circular, in
view of the efforts made within its bouuds, to alienate the
churches; exhorting them to avoid division and strife, and
adhere to the Presbytery, which was so well adapted to pro-
mote the union of Congregational and Presbyterian churches.

The organization of the Western Reserve Congregational As-
sociation, was regarded as faiily pitting Oberlin against Hudson
and the Synod. An effort had previously been made to secure
Professor Finney at Hudson ; and thus, by friendly compromise,
prevent the organization of a second Theological Seminary.
This effort failed. About the same, time the Oberlin men,
particularly President Mahan, began to make prominent their
distinctive and characteristic doctrines, particularly that called
the doctrine of '' Christian perfection.'' Taking also an active
part in what was generally regarded as the ultra Anti-Slavery
movement, Oberlin became henceforth an object of suspicion
and aversion to most of the ministers and churches on the
Reserve. Soon after the organization of the ''Union," a caus-
tic review of that movement appeared, setting forth that the
thing at first originated at Oberlin, and was sent to Hudson to
be subscribed, and complaining that " strangers on the Reserve
should take this early opportunity to strike a blow at existing
institutions, a blow tending to divide ministers and churches
heretofore harmonious ; (albeit this was disavowed by the mov-

Opposition of Congreoation alism. 203

ers.) They propose universal union, yet aim to break up our
union, whieh is so satisfactory and harmonious ; for the effort
aims to draw off all Congregationalists and thus to produce
alienations, divisions and dissentions/' The writer also con-
sidered it unbefittino;, '^ that a minister at the head of a Liter-
ary Institution, himself a member of Presbytery, should take
the attitude of an assailant of Presbyterianism. Our minis-
ters and churches generally, he maintained, are satisfied. If
they wanted a change, let them effect it; but let it not be
done by a few strangers, who do not so well understand our
situation. '^

This article, of course, was answered, and the charge of
aiming at divisions and schism repudiated. Discussion on
both sides waxed warmer and fierce. Soon after the doctrinal
peculiarities of Oberlin began to elicit extensive public discus-
sion and animadversion ; and it became evident that the new
Association could not secure the old fashioned Calvanistio
Congregationalists.

Shortly after the organization of the Greneral Association,
a convention was held at Farmington, and the Trumbull Con-
sociation organized, in accordance with a provision in the Con-
stitution of the General Association ; adopting its Confession
of Faith. How long this continued to exist, or what it ac-
complished the writer has not learned.

The General Association attained a continued, though for
many years, doubtful existence. It may seem strange to Con-
gregationaHsts abroad, that it should have fared no better in a
region so largely populated by New Englanders. The reasons
however were obvious to those upon the field.

204 The Plan or Union.

The attachment of most of the churches and people, to the
existing order of things, was strong; and they cared not to
experiment with novelties. The movement was forced, and
did not grow out of the churches. Much, even of the decided
Congregationalism of the Reserve, stood aloof from the novel
and heterodox theology, emanating from the new Association ;
and the antagonism between some of the independent Congre-
gational Churches and Oberlinism, was every way as strong as
between the latter and the Synod ; and as ruthless divisions
were at length driven through some of the independent
churches, as through those connected with the Presbyteries.
In short, the Congregationalism of the Reserve, was a mixed
and heterogeneous mass, having no principles of unity which
could continuously hold together its separate elements.

The Oberlin party gathered up the extreme radical, and
somewhat Arminian elements, and attracted many of the rest-
less and unstable elements, and produced a prodigious fer-
ment, with occasional explosions.

But most of the Congregationalism of the Reserve, found
less affinity far with that, than with Presbyterianism, and re-
mained in its former position. Many who, at first, entered
into the movement, were disappointed by the results.

ESQUIRE HUDSON.

The death of Esquire Hudson, in March, 1836, was a se-
vere blow for the church in Hudson, and also for the orthodox,
consociated Congregationalism which he had advocated.

A man of worth and piety, he enjoyed the respect and con-
fidence of all } though known as the firm advocate of a change

Opposition of Conqriqation alism. 205

in ecclesiastical matters. Yet the testimony, left shortly be-
fore his death, in a letter written to Rev. J. Seward, exhibits
a change in his convictions relative to the expediency of fur-
ther prosecuting the agitation, and also shows the candor and
Christian spirit of the man. An extract from the letter runs
as follows : — "It being my honest conviction that the Con-
gregationalism which I am endeavoring to sustain, is that
happy medium between the independency of the church and the
dictatorial power of the clergy ; which is best calculated to pro-
mote the piety and peace of all concerned j as well as being most
scriptural of any hitherto devised; I must urge it on the
consideration of both ministers and people; but shall at pres-
ent refrain from publishing any thing more on this subject;
because, among other reasons, I find I can not express myself
freely, without making statements which would have the eflfect
of lessening the influence on the public mind, which our good
ministers ought always to exert. The cause of Christ ought
certainly to be dearer to me than my own reputation or any
worldly consideration. '^

The rugged pioneer, esteemed citizen, and devoted Chris-
tian, sleeps in peace. On his tomb-stone the visitor may still
read the epitaph of his own selection — ^' A poor sinner,
saved hy grace.''

CONGREGATIONALISM AND THE EXCISION.

The years thirty-six, thirty-seven and thirty-eight, formed %

stormy and trying period for the Reserve Synod. On one

side was decided and restless Congregationalism constantly

working against it on account of its Presbyterianism. On the

18

206 The Plan of Union.

other side was a large proportion of the General Assembly de-
nouncing it for its Congregational irregularities. Yet, it is to
be testified to its credit, that through all these commotions, it
preserved its equanimity and harmony, and quietly worked
along iit its appointed sphere. Its meetings were peaceful and
pleasant, exhibiting Christian love and fidelity to the members
and churches, and to the Head of the Church, who did not
fail to manifest his approbation.

Nor, despite all the efforts made to weaken and subvert it,
did most of the churches and their members fail to see in it
an organization happily adjusted to the character and wants of
the churches, and an organization efficiently laboring for the
cause of Christ.

In the winter of 1836-7, Rev. James Eells, Sen., published
a short series of candid articles, exhibiting the Scriptural basis
and principles of the Presbyterian polity. Rev. J. Seward,
the proper historian and guardian of the peace of the churches,
sent forth, anew, his wholesome instructions and exhorta-
tions. While more passionate pleaders, both for the Synod
and for Congregationalism, failed not to use both voice and
pen with facility and zeal.

The General Assembly of 1837, however, sent down upon
the persecuted Synod, an avalanche that surpassed all preced-
ing onsets.

We are now to consider the Excision of the Western Re-
serve Synod from the General Assembly, merely in its bear-
ings upon Congregationalism.

The Synod was, at this time, the most prominent exponent
of the Plan of Union. The Congregationalism embraced in it,

Opposition of Congregationalism. 207

and around it, brought it into evil repute with the Assembly;
and, mainly on this account, the Union was repudiated, and
the Synod spurned away.

Here then, it might have been surmised, would be the end
of the Plan of Union and its fruits. Congregationalists know-
ing the extent of Congregational sympathy and elements in
the Synod, and the small proportion of original Presbyterians,
could but have regarded this movement as offering the very
best opportunity to transform the Presbyteries into Consocia-
tions, and secure their favorite polity.

To the Presbyterians, the question must have been para-
mount, what shall we do? Now, if ever, was the time to go
over to pure Congregationalism. And considering the opposi-
tion which Presbyterianism has ever met upon the Reserve, it
is difficult to see why a change at that time would not have
been advisable.

Could orderly, orthodox associations and consociations have
been then established and generally acquiesced in, subsequent
agitations might have been prevented. A few more churches
would probably have gone to the Old School Assembly ; and
some churches might have been divided and ruined. But ju-
diciously organized Consociations might probably have gath-
ered most of the churches, then in the field, and held them.

Such a change, however, neither met the approbation of the
leading ministers and churches, nor the will of Providence.

The Plan of Union had now become a permanent institu-
tion, and had a destiny before it. The Associated Congrega-
tionalists would not now desert their Presbyterian brethren,
who had been for their sakes disinherited; nor would the

208 The Plan of Union.

Presbyterians consult their own comfort, reputation and con-
nection, so far as to abandon the brethren and churches with
which they had so long fraternally co-operated. The Union
Synod was not a failure, and could not be demolished. Strong
in its own frame work, and in the love of its churches, stronger
in the affection and guardianship of the Lord whom it served,
it braved the shock of excision ; and, like a strong ship, struck
by an iceberg, tremble for a moment, but righted again,
re-adjusted sail and rudder, and moved off as strong and
majestic as before.

Thus it was demonstrated that the ecclesiasticism of the Re-
serve was adequate for its mission, adapted to the people and
the soil on which it grew, and could not be subverted.

It does not appear that the Congregationalism which op-
posed it, gained any thing by the excision. The battle against
Oberlin polity, theology and education, went on ; and the an-
tagonism between Oberlin and the orthodox and orderly Con-
gregationalism of the Reserve, became more prominent.

Efforts were now and then made, as aforetime, to start Or-
thodox Congregational Associations and Consociations.* Zeal-
ous adventurers from New England often set about the work
courageously, lacking no perceptible talent which could minis-
ter to their success. Beautiful organizations were sometimes
effected, and began to work hopefully. But invariably, they
found a lack of sympathy and of material; and after a few
years of decline and struggle, sank to rise no more.

* The term Orthodox is used on the RcserTe, not in distinction from Unitarian, as
in New England, but to distingiiish Calvinistic from Semi-Arminian and Oberlin
peculitrities.

Opposition of Congregationalism. 209

How many specific efforts have been made since 1832, to
establish purely Congregational bodies on the Reserve, is per-
haps unknown to any person of ordinary powers of memory.
Yet, out of them all, there has not yet arisen one, which has
answered the expectations of its founders, or become, in any
sense, a rival of the Synod or Presbyteries. Each of them,
however, has undoubtedly assisted to keep alive the seeds of
discontent, and prevent some of the churches of the Reserve
from harmonizing with the others. There is a large number
of Congregational Churches on the Reserve, standing alone,
unconnected with any body of churches ; and any successful
effort to unite these churches into fraternal co-operation with
each other, if with nobody else, would do Christ service. Of
late, there seems to be a prospect that something may be done
in this direction.

■ The Puritan Association^ organized November, 1852, en-
joys a good reputation, as a sound, Calvinistic, orderly body;
embracing ten or twelve ministers and several churches. *Tf a
large, efficient, orthodox Congreg-ational Association ever arises
in this region, this will probably be the nucleus around which
it will gather.

The ''Medina Association," and the "North-eastern Associa-
tion of Ohio," less known to the writer, are also believed to be
promising, though small bodies, and laboring with a Christian
spirit to build up churches kindred to those of New England.

The most important Congregational movement of later years,
was the formation, in 1852 of a State Conference. The call
for the first convention issued form Marietta. The first meet-
ing was held at Mansfield, and the roll of members comprised
18*

210 The Plan of Union.

seventy-six members of convention and forty-four churches.
What proportion of those were from the Reserve is not known.
It was not the least remarkable feature of this convention that
it first united in friendly conference, representatives of all the
different styles and classes of Congregationalists in the State.
And the remark of many of the attendants was, '' we were
surprised to find ourselves so much alike." This surprise pro-
bably grew mainly out of the fact, that the Oberlin brethren
met with those who enjoyed an unquestioned reputation for
orthodoxy. Whether the present resemblance grows out of a
modification of Oberlin, or of the others; or is merely the re-
sult of an unprejudiced comparison of views and aims, is un-
known to the writer.

It is to be hoped, that the effort so successfully begun, of
uniting the scattered and independant Congregationalists of
Ohio, may be efficiently prosecuted ; provided, the Congrega-
tional sectarianism, which certain organs have been kindling of
late," can be excluded.

Still, it is not to be ignored that the fact, that these con-
ferences embrace all the types of Western Congregationalism
causes them to be regarded with distrust, and keeps back many,
whose prejudices against Oberlin have been too long growing
to be readily removed.

As this Conference is apparently destined to exert an impor-
tant influence upon the Congregationalism of the Reserve ; its
doctrinal basis and constitution are here inserted.

CONSTITUTION OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE^OF OHIO.

1. In the constituting of this Conference, each local Conference or
Association, approving the basis herein proposed, shall be entitled to

Opposition of CoNOREnATioNALisM. 211

send as many delegates as there are churches connected with it, not
less than one half of the delegates appointed being lay members, and
each church which, from present existing circumstances, remains inde-
pendent and which accedes to the basis of polity and doctrine herein
laid down, shall also be entitled to one delegate, and this delegate shall
be a lay member as often as each alternate year,

2. The Officers of this Conference shall be a Moderator and Scribe,
to be elected annually by ballot, and also a Register to hold his office
for three years and until his successor shall be elected ; and he shall
be ex officio a member of the Conference,

3. Ordained ministers and laymen of evangelical churches who may
be present at the meetings of this body, may be invited to sit as cor-
responding members.

4. The objects of this Conference shall be to promote harmony
and intercourse among the churches of the State and to secure a more
extensive co-operation in every good work.

5. The several local Conferences shall retain their individual rights
and privileges, and no ecclesiastical power or authority shall ever be
assumed by the Conference or be delegated to it.

6. Q his Conference shall meet on the third Tuesday of June, annu-
ally, at 7 o'clock, P. M.

7. This Conference shall establish its own Bye-laws and Regula-
tions, subject to alterations at the future meetings.

8. The Conference may interchange friendly correspondence with
other religious bodies.

9. At each meeting of the Conference, a first and second preacher
for the next meeting shall be chosen.

10. Any local Conference or church may withdraw from this body
by assigning the reasons in writing, to the Secretary.

11. The Constitution of this Conference except the fifth article, may
be altered at the annual meetings of this body, by two-thirds of the

•members.

PREAMBLE AND DOCTRINAL BASIS.

Believing that the time has come for the formation of a State organi-

212 The Plan of Union.

zation among the Congregationalists of Ohio, which shall secure har-
mony of sentiment and co-operation of action, we, in convention
assembled, recommend the system of a General Conference, established
on the following doctrinal basis, which we understand to be, for sub-
stance of doctrine, in harmony with the Westminster Shorter Catechism
and with the system currently know as New England divinity.

DOCTRINAL BASIS.

We believe that there is one only living and true God, self-existent
and infinite in every perfection, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor
of the Universe.

That God is revealed in the Scriptures, as the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost : that these three are in essence one, and in all divine attributes
equal.

That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of
God, given by inspiration, and are the only unerring rule of faith and
practice.

That man was at first in a state of perfection ; from which he fell
by transgressing the divine commands ; and that in consequence of his
disobedience, the hearts of all men, until renewed by divine grace, are
without holiness and wholly alienated from God.

That man, as a sinner, deserves the curse of God, which is eternal
death ; that he can make no atonement for his sins, nor in any way
deliver himself from the just penalty of the divine law.

That God has, by the death of his Son, provided an ample atone-
ment for the sins of the world ; that salvation is freely offered to all ;
and that all who truly repent and believe in Christ shall be saved ; and
that those who reject the gospel will perish through their own impeni-
tence and unbelief.

That the hearts of men are so desperately wicked and averse to God
and holiness, that if left to themselves, they will with one accord re-
ject the offers of pardon through Christ and perish, but that God, in •
the soverignty of his love and to magnify the riches of his grace, has
from all eternity purposed to bring an innumerable multitude to re-

Opposition of Congregationalism. 213

pentance and finally to glory ; and that all who are saved will owe
their salvation to the mercy of God alone, and not to any works or
merits of their own.

That without a change of heart effected by the agency of the Holy
Ghost no one can be an heir of eternal life ; and that all who have
been thus renewed will be kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation.

That Jesus Christ has a true church in the world, consisting of those
who are friends to, and believers in, Him, and that all such, on a visible
profession of their faith, have a right to its sealing ordinances (baptism
and the Lord's Supper) and to baptize their infant offspring.

That the Christian Sabbath is an institution of divine appointment,
and its observance of perpetual obligation.

That Jesus Christ will appear at the end of time to raise the dead
and judge the world, and that all shall then receive a sentence of just
and final retribution, the wicked be doomed to endless punishment and
the righteous received to life everlasting.

The constitution and basis of the Huron Congregational
Conference is also subjoined; which was organized in 1852 as
an auxiliary to the State Conference. This Conference embraces
the Oberlin brethren of Lorain, Huron and Erie Counties.
The reader may compare it with that of the *' General Asso-
ciation" of 1836.

' CONSTITUTION.

1. The name shall be The Huron Congregational Conference.

2. Its objects shall be to promote Christian harmony and inter-
co\u"se among both ministers and churches and to secure a more effec-
tive co-operation in every good work. It shall not curtail the absolute
control of the churches embraced within it over their own discipline,
or their relations to their pastors, and it shall neither assume nor ac-
cept any ecclesiastical authority.

214 The Plan or Union.

?>. Any minister in good standing in some local church, may become
a member of this Conference by consenting to its doctrinal basis as
containing substantially the doctrines of the Bible, and by signing his
name to the constitution.

4. Any Congregational Church may become associated with this
body whose articles of faith agree substantially with its doctrinal basis ;
and every church thus associated shall be entitled to two delegates at
any meeting of the Conference.

5. Either churches or ministers (being in good standing in the
Conference) may dissolve their connection with this body at their writ-
ten request.

6. The officers of this Conference shall be a Moderator, Scribe,
Register, and Treasurer, the two former to be elected annually, and
the two latter at the discretion of the Conference, and all by ballot.

7. The Conference, when organized, shall make its own Bye-Laws
and appoint its own meetings.

8. This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting, by
a majority of two thii'ds of the members present.

DOCTRINAL BASIS.

This embraces the following points of belief :

1. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by
inspiration of God, and are the only unerring rule of faith and practice.

2. That the Lord our God is one Lord, the Creator and the Ruler
of the universe ; and that He reveals Himself to us in the Scriptures
as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, each possessing all divine
perfections.

3. That by the disobedience of one man, sin entered our world,
and that previously to regeneration, all moral agents of the race are
enemies to God by wicked works, and their moral character is there-
fore entirely sinful.

4 . That all sin is transgression of the law of God, and deserves
eternal death.

5. That the Son of God became incarnate, and by his sacrificial

Opposition of Congregationalism. 215

death made an ample atonement for the sins of the ■world, thus ensur-
ing salvation to those, and those only, who repent and believe in his
name.

6. That all men are averse to God and holiness ; that, left to them-
selves, none ever repent and believe in Christ ; that hence there arises
a necessity for the interposing moral power of the divine Spirit to
renew and sanctify ; and that even Christians owe their perseverance in
a holy life, as well as their regeneration, to the sovereign grace of God.

7. That, hence, salvation is indeed all of grace ; yet that true
faith works by love, and is evinced by sincere obedience to all the
known will of God.

8. That the provisions of gospel grace are purposely made so ample
that victory over the world and sin is attainable by faith.

9. That the moral law is essentially embraced in the gospel and en-
forced with even enhanced obligation.

10. That baptism and the Lord's Supper are the ordinances of the
Christian church, and that all who profess faith in Christ and lead a
correspondingly blameless life, are entitled to its fellowship and ordi-
nances.

11. That God has ordained the Christian Sabbath to be perpetual.

12. That at the end of time Christ will appear, to raise the dead,
judge all the race, and award to the holy, everlasting life in heaven,
but to the wicked, everlasting punishment in hell.

The question now arises, why no efforts, to build up a large
and eflScient Congregational body on the Reserve, have as yet
been successful.

The causes are several, and are to be found, partly^ in the
genius of Congregationalism itself, which is antagonistic to
strong and extended co-operative organizations. The churches
planted in the wilderness felt strongly the need of sympathy
and co-operation, and therefore naturally sought association
with the nearest Christian organizations of kindred spirit, and

216 The Plan of Union.

naturally joined in building up such institutions of their own,
as would unite and harmonize them.

There have been adequate material and effort here ; but the
modified Presbyterianism of the region has proved too strong
and too well adapted to the wants of the people, to give way
before any thing else.

The indejiniteness and variety of Congregationalism in the
West has also operated against its success. Some have advo-
cated Independency; others, Associations; others, Consociations.
Some would have a Calvinistic creed; others, a creed Semi-
Arminian ; and still others would adopt a basis which would
embrace every body calling themselves Christian. Without
unity there can not be strength.

The character of those icho labored for exclusive Congrega-
tionalisrti has also operated against their success.

They have not generally been men long acquainted with
the churches of the Reserve ; nor men who had obtained any
strong hold upon the people. Generally they had but a par-
tial acquaintance with the field and the material upon which
they were to work. Coming with strong denominational pre-
judices, full of zeal, confident of their own abilities; and find-
ing some few " old settlers" to sympathize with and encourage
them, they have rashly begun to build without having counted
the cost, and invariably found that they had not wherewith to
finish.

The rash zeal of the Oherlin hrethreriy also, did much to
prejudice the cause of Congregationalism, both on the Reserve
and abroad. The policy of purposely dividing churches, and
organizing rivals where there were scarce materials for a sin-

Opposition of Congregationalism. 217

gle organization ; carried, as this policy was, to the dismember-
ment even of independent Congregational churches; making
two or three questions of moral reform, and as many doctrinal
dogmas of questionable truth, paramount to all other interests
of Christ's kingdom, could but work disaster to all concerned.
It will take ages to wash away the stain and odium, and heal
the evils, wrought by that short sighted and schismatical pol-
icy. The policy is no longer practiced ; but there are regions
upon the Reserve, which were so des ilated by it, that long
culture, and much toil, and rich showers of grace alone can
bring them back to fertility. It is a matter for thanksgiving
to Grod that the Oberlin brethren have at length discovered,
that the way to unite Christians and churches, is not to break
up all existing unions, and shatter to pieces churches and ec-
clesiastical bodies, and fetch back chaos, in order to begin the
world anew. The Plan of Union tolerated minor differences,
yet adhered to the orthodox standards, and secured an efficient
co-operative polity. The Oberlin plan tore away doctrine and
polity, and proposed only to construct a conglomerate, ignor-
ing vital disagreements ; clamoring for universal brotherhood,
yet scattering universal discord.

But, a prominent reason, still existing, why purely Congre-
gational organizations cannot succeed on the Reserve, is found
in the existence of the Presbyteries, which constitute an ade-
quate Congregational machinery for all but zealous sectarians.
Most of the churches and people have felt that the Presbyte-
ries subserved the purposes of a bond of union to unite or
consociate them ; a council to advise ; and an association to
guard the doctrinal purity of the churches and ministry, with-
19

218 The Plan or Union.

out exercising over them any oppressive control or tyranny.
The majority have been contented and satisfied with the origi-
nal organizations, — have loved and clung to them ; and so
doing, the latter could not be superseded. And had it not
been for the continued outcries and agitations of a few over-
zealous propagandists, the churches might have enjoyed un-
turbeed peace, and the Synod have gathered up and united
in fraternal concord nearly all the churches of the Reserve.

New England Congregationalism, in New England, is admir-
able ; but in mixed communities, where there is no unity of
sentiment, where all manner of wild opinions and movements
abound, and where a different polity has pre-occupied the soil,
it cannot accomplish what it does in New England. And the
difficulty is necessarily increased where all varieties of Congre-
gationalism attempt to occupy the same field.

And why should not the Reserve cherish its own original
ecclesiasticism, as well as New England or New Jersey ? Why
shall any imported polity be forced in, where there already
exists a system capable of answering all demands, and having,
by thirty years unsurpassed fruitfulness, proved itself a true
and healthy agent ?

The better portion of the Reserve churches took the Plan of
Union as a finality ; and they will adhere to it. Repeatedly
it has been proved that no general interest can be awakened,
either for pure Congregationalism or pure Presbyterianism, as
an Ism, and an opponent of the native institutions of the re-
gion. No High Churchism can flourish in this soil, whatever
be its type ; nor can any outcries against co-operative institu-
tions, prevent the co-operation of those who were born and

Opposition of Congregationalism. 219

bred together, and feel themselves one in Christ. And the
minister, the layman, and the periodical, which make denomi-
nationalism least prominent, and Christian charity most prom-
inent, will here be most successful.

CHAPTER IV.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGAINST THE PLAN
OF UNION.
The Plan of Union was promulgated by the General As-
sembly in 1801. During thirty years it was believed to work
admirably, and under it many new regions were evangelized.
About the time, however, that Unionism, Radicalism, Ober-
ism and other Isms began to work upon the Reserve,
many of the Presbyterian brethren at a distance, not un-
derstanding the precise attitude of things in this region,
nor discriminating between the noisy and anomalous agitators
of the time, and the orderly and conservative body of the
churches, became greatly alarmed and scandalized ; and began
to lament that they had taken troublesome boarders into the
family. It now began to be suspected, either that the Plan of
Union was a great error, or that the Synod of the Reserve and
others aflEiliated with it, had widely departed from their lawful
privileges and obligations ; and it was openly rumored that there
were heresies in doctrine and irregularities in practice wholly
inconsistent with Presbyterianism.

(220)

Action of the General Assembly. 221

These complaints called out an article in April, 183S, writ-
ten by Rev. J. Treat, and published in the Observer, entitled
^^ Presbyter}/ of Portage vindicated.^'

The article notices charges made against the '^orthodoxy
and the integrity" of that Presbytery. The charge of hetero-
doxy the writer deemed unworthy of notice, until it should be
shown that the Presbytery had departed from the principles
upon which it was organized, and which were sanctioned by
the Synod of Pittsburg, when that body recognized it.

The charge of disingenuousness related mainly to the fact,
that the Presbytery was governed partly ^' by rules of its own
making," and had in it Congregational churches ; the accusers
claiming that it pretended to be Presbyterian when it joined
the Synod, but that it was now virtually a Congregational
body.

To this charge Mr. Treat replied that the Presbytery was
*' the same thing now that it was at its formation," and when
received by the Pittsburgh Synod. The Presbytery always
professed to be governed by its own rules ; rules, based upon
the Plan of Union, by which the churches were permitted to
adopt either the Presbyterian or Congregational form of gov-
ernment, and to be represented in Presbytery by delegates.
These rules, moreover, were, in October, 1818, presented to
the Synod of Pittsburg, and by the Synod submitted to an able
committee, who reported in their favor, and also in favor of
the orthodoxy of the Presbytery. That committee's report was
unanimously adopted by the Synod. This peculiarity of the
Presbytery, he continues, had also been fairly presented to the
General Assembly 3 particularly in a statement sent up to the
19*

222 The Plan or Union.

Assembly in 1821, in answer to an overture to the Presbyte-
ries respecting the ''revised form of government and forms of
process.''

Thus commenced the agitation which resulted in the excision
of 1837. We discern two specific accusations in the original
complaints. Both of these, and several other considerations,
had their influence in producing the final issue.

The Presbyteries and Synod doubtless had the reputation of
much that did not belong to them ; and ever have been, to
a certain extent, identified, by persons at a distance, with many
of the principles and movements against which they were most
earnestly contending. To this day, there are many Presbyte-
rians in different parts of the country, who never discriminate
between the Oberlin Congregationalism, and the Congregation-
alism embraced in the Presbyteries ; and who have no appre-
hension of a strong, orderly, Calvinistic body on the Reserve,
such as the Synod has ever been. The excision was in part
brought about through misapprehensions of this sort. Had
the General Assembly made a thorough investigation, and
learned the prevailing theology, spirit and aim of the Synod,
and its precise attitude relative to the evils complained of, its
course would probably have been diff"erent.

Yet there were causes operating, which probably must, in
time, have resulted in a division of the Presbyterian church ;
and the Plan of Union was made a scape goat upon which to
lay the sins of revolution and schism.

In the first place, there was a groioing denominational feel-
ing in the Presbyterian churcJi, which no longer cherished the
charitable spirit out of which the Plan of Union grew. A

Action of the General Assembly. 223

large proportion of that body were tired of the co operative
benevolent Societies, and anxious to control exclusively their
own missionary operations, and appropriate the fruits. The
work of missions had now become a very different thing, from
what it had been in the year 1801 ; and the General Assembly
no longer felt dependent upon the Connecticut Missionary So-
ciety, to support its missionaries.

There was also a strong sectional feel'uKj which had its in-
fluence in producing the schism. The General Assembly, par-
ticularly in the year of excision, was largely controlled by
southern men, full of indignation against the anti-slavery en-
thusiasm, which was burning fiercest in the regions covered by
the obnoxious Synods. The Synod of the Reserve was known
to be largely anti-slavery in its elements and spirit, and this
intensified the local prejudice, which was partly generated by
other causes.

Doctrinal peculiarities were much harped upon ; and cer-
tainly there was some occasion for complaint. But no one,
who has been intimately acquainted with the Western Rieserve
Synod, and with the predominant theology of the Old School
Presbyterian Church, can avoid the conclusion that the outcry
about doctrines has been mainly, either a misapprehension, or
a device by which to justify and gratify prejudices, founded
upon something else.

At the time when the disaffection began, there were a few
Congregationalists in the Presbyteries who held doctrines re-
pugnant to all staid Presbyterians. We have before noticed
the practice of receiving Congregational ministers upon certifi-
cate, in the same manner that members from one Presbytery

224 The Plan of Union.

were received into another. By this means, certain ministers
from New England, who had adopted the views of Professor
Taylor, of New Haven ; some of the Oberlin men also, and
perhaps a few others in bad odor amongst strict Calvinists,
had come into the Synod. Many of the ministers in this re-
gion were also inclined to what has since been called the New
School Theology; though scarcely any two persons could agree
in a definition of that great heresy; and to this day it remains
a profound mystery to most persons, what the real difference,
between New and Old School Theology, is.

That the prevailing theology of the churches and ministers,
embraced in the Western Reserve Synod, had no affinity either
with Taylorism or Oberlinism, is very certain. And nothing
could have been more unjust than to repudiate the Synod on
account of the small amount of elements of that character em-
braced in it; particularly when, as at the time of the excision,
those elements were fast separating, and collecting elsewhere,
according to their native affinities.

It is therefore to be admitted, that the Plan of Union had
introduced temporarily, a small heterodox element into the
fellowship of the Presbyterian Church. But that the Synod,
as such, was heterodox, or the objectionable elements extensive
enough to justify the excision of the whole, could only be be-
lieved by those who were misinformed. As such, the Synod
has ever been strictly Calvinistic, adhering to the doctrinal
standards of the Assembly's Confession and Catechism, and
maintaining Presbyterian discipline and order, so far as was
consistent with the Plan of Compromise upon which it was
based.

Action of the General Assembly. 225

The church of the Reserve adhered to that Plan, was faith-
ful to it, and was determined to adhere to it ever. The Gen-
eral Assembly was tired of that Plan, determined to get free
from it ; and violently repudiated it and all that had grown up
under it.

The point most insisted upon by the General Assembly, at
the time of the excision, and which stands in the records as
the prime rock of offense, was the original unconstitutionality
of the act of the Assembly which first endorsed the Plan of
Union.

It certainly was an anomaly in Presbyterianism. But there
ever will be those, who will wonder how the Assembly of 1837
happened to be so much wiser and more constitutional than
the Assemblies which had, for thirty-six years, preceded it.
And particularly must it be regarded as strange, that the dis-
covery of unconstitutionality was not made when the Consti-
tution of the Presbyterian Church was revised and adopted,
almost created, twenty years after the Plan of Union was in
operation.

The particularly odious feature in the practical working of
that Plan, was the admission of Congregational Deacons and
committee men into ecclesiastical bodies, upon equality of
privilege with Elders of the Presbyterian Church.

But it is not in accordance with the true spirit of Presbyte-
rianism to lay so much stress upon the ceremony of ordination,
as to look with horror upon an officer appointed in another
church to fulfil the same offices, and chosen for like virtues,
standing in very nearly the same relationship to the church,
as the Presbyterian Elder, even if appointed in a slightly dif-

226 The Plan opUnion.

ferent way. There was evidently an unnecessary and invidi-
ous nicety of discrimination used here. An acquaintance with
both the officers of consociated Congregational Churches and
Presbyterian Elders, discloses no such dissimilarity as renders
their co-operation impracticable in ecclesiasticism. It can not
be possible that Presbyterial action was vitiated by the parti-
cipation of such representatives of Congregational churches as
were introduced by the Plan of Union. An unprejudiced ex-
amination of the whole subject, shows that the real grounds
of division were, High Church denominationalism, a dislike of
the co-operative benevolent institutions, particularly the Home
Missionary Society, a fear of the democratic tendencies of Con-
gregationalism, and an undue apprehension of the extent of
Armenian doctrines and irregularities in practice, introduced
into the Synod under the Union.

Had a judicious effort been made, these irregularities might
have been corrected, and these heterodox elements expurgated
(as they soon after indeed worked themselves out), without
the excision. Yet there probably never could have been
complete harmony between the elements that separated, be-
tween co-operative and exclusive Presbyterians ; and sooner or
later a division was unavoidable.

Of the particular methods by which the excision was brought
about, it is not necessary to speak. No union so intimate and
of such long standing, can be violently sundered, without
strategy and counter strategy and cruelty and unrighteousness.
But the end, deliverance from the Union, being predetermined,
means would be found in time to consummate it. They were
found and used. And the unsuspecting family of churches,

Action of the Gteneral Assembly. 227

that had grown up under that Union, without suspicion of
illegitimacy or consciousness of oflfense, were suddenly appalled
to fine themselyes cast out as children of the bond-woman, not
only without name or inheritance, but branded as infamous.
It is naturally impossible for those Avho were thus rejected,
ever to feel that they were treated kindly or even civilly, much
less in a christian spirit ; though they may, and should, forgive
the excesses of sectarian zeal.

It is probable, that those who produced the excision, " verily
thought they did God service thereby.^' And doubtless there
was a wise providence, though unseen, directing the movement.
It is perhaps better that the two great branches of Presbyteri-
anism, representing two distinct phases of the age in which we
live, should be separate and free, each, to develop, its peculiar
spirit and tendencies, rather than to cripple each other, and
neutralize their strength and efforts, in vain contentions. There
was a destiny that drove them asunder. Let them forget the
past, and exercise henceforth towards each other the charities
which the Gospel requires.

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION OF ECCLESIASTICISM.

It might have been expected that after the excision, the
rejected Synods would have resolved themselves into their
separate native elements, and the Congregationalists and Pres-
byterians, have sought each connections with which they would
naturally better affiliate. But they were too strongly united,
and had a life of their own too vigorous to be dissipated.

After much perplexity, prayer and deliberation, the new
Assembly was formed. The Synod lived, the Presbyteries and
churches lived ; the Plan of Union lived ; co-operative, chari-
table, American Presbyterianism and Congregationalism lived ;
and worked, and advanced more rapidly than before.

Yet, let it not be imagined that these agitations and rputures
produced no serious injury. It was not possible for an eccle-
siasticism thus beset, on one side by hostile Independency, and
on the other by as hostile Presbyterianism, to accomplish the
work it might have done, if let alone. The excision took off
a few churches to the Old School body. The loss in this way
was trifling. But the confidence destroyed, afi'ections alienated,
plans frustrated, and prospects blighted, time cannot wholly

(228)

Conclusion of Ecclesiasticism. 229

repair. But the Congregational disaffection and hostility has
really been much more injurious to the Union Synod, than the
Presbyterian excision. The Presbyterian opposition came
openly and suddenly in one concentrated storm. When that
had passed, and serenity was restored, nothing more was to be
apprehended, from that quarter. Presbyterians living on the
Reserve have never much troubled existing things. But the
Congregational schism, rooting into the soil, and breaking out
hereand there almost yearly, in some new eruption, has contin-
ued to eat away the life and vigor of the Synod.

By this agency, many of the churhes have been weakened
and distracted, and all more or less frustrated in their labors.
We do not impugn the motives of those who have pushed di-
vision, but we believe their zeal was '^ not according to know-
ledge.'' Nor can we justify those who have merely stood alooflf
in sullen isolation, refusing to co-operate with other churches.
They have suffered, and the cause of Christ has suffered by this
exclusiveness.

In conclusion something must be said relative to the pros-
pects of the Synod.

It is common for sectarians, on both sides, to speak of the
Plan of Union as about defunct, and soon to vanish away.
Many anticipate the dissolution of the Western Reserve Synod,
and others similarly constituted, if not of the New School As-
sembly; and expect to see the Presbyterial element return per-
haps to the Old School body, and the Congregational come out
as pure Congregationalists. A thorough acquaintance with
these bodies however, warrants no such anticipations. The
Plan of Union is to day a living reality, as vigorous in many
20

230 The Plan of Union.

places, as it was twenty years ago. Neither Young Presbytery
on the one side, nor Young Independency on the other, at all
disturbs the stable churches that have grown and worked fra-
ternally together, for a third of a century, and more. The
fickle and restless, the sectarian and radical, may change and
agitate. The Synod may be yet more diminished : and new
rivals may arise ; the Old School body may reclaim a few : In-
dependency may win a few ; but most of the churches and
ministers are contented with the Union and will adhere to it.
The Anti- Slavery agitation, has been a fruitful theme for
disunionists. By a false interpretation of the import of com-
munion and church fellowship, all churches and Christians
holding any connection with the General Assembly, have been
constantly accused of sanctioning and sustaining Slavery. The
principle is simply that of Garrisonian disunion, applied to
ecclesiasticism ; a principle false in its philosophy, incendiary
in its spirit, and pro-slavery in its results. The Union Synod
and Presbyteries are unqualifiedly anti-slavery in sentiment,
and believe that they are accomplishing more for the cause of
freedom by their present position, than^they could do by seces-
sion. Weak brethren, and unstable churches are frequently
befogged, frenzied and led away, by wild disorganizers, to their
own injury and nobody's benefit. But the fanaticism of the
anti-slavery movement has mainly passed, and all the North is
coming to a rational unity of sentiment upon this subject, which
promises to lead to united action, by which something better
than mere froth and denunciation, may be produced. The real
sentiment of the Beserve upon this subject is one, and it can
not be that churches will much longer foolishly suflFer them-

Conclusion of Ecclesiasticism. 231

selves to be distracted by the slight differences of opinion ex-
isting relative to the means by which Slavery should be
opposed.

An impoitant modification has also occurred in the policy of
the Oberlin, or Radical Congregationalism of the Reserve. The
division of churches is no longer pursued as a leading aim ;
and the doctrinal peculiarities of Mahan and Finney attract
little attention. A visible tendency towards at least modified
Calvinism, is discernible in that quarter; or, at least, a weari-
ness of the notoriety and singularity that once seemed to be
gloried in. Apostles of disunion no longer traverse the land
as aforetime, drawing multitudes after them.

In short, quietude and peace are returning, and as a conse-
quence, churches long distracted and desolate are begining to
experience rich revivings of religion. Men begin to think
once more about their souls, and the Kingdom of God, and to
remember that the Lord rules over the world, including the
Western Reserve. Reason, faith, hope and charity are not
dead ; and there are tokens that a better day is dawning. This
field has been unsurpassed in radicalism, agitations, novelties,
and excitements. From the time when ranting advocates of
' Unionism," and steam-engine revivalists, and abolitionism,
run mad, first began to traverse the Reserve, twenty years ago,
to this day, many of the people of the Reserve have been
alternatly roasted and chilled, by spiritual " chill-tever," which
has consumed the vigor and life of the churches.

Can we never learn that agitation is not refnim, and that
denunciation, secession, reorganization ana excitement do not
convert sinners, confirm Christians, nor extend religion, nor

232 The Plan or Union.

purify the church ? And can sectarian propagandists never
discover that there is here an indigenous ecclesiasticism, adapted
to our mixed population, deep-rooted in the hearts of our most
stable christians and churches, fully adequate to secure freedom,
progress, efficiency, and stability, and happily adjusted to the
vital principles both of co-operative Presbyterianism, and of
consociated Congregationalism ?

The difficulties in our churches have not grown out of the
Plan of Union ; but out of the High Church sectarianism that
has on either side opposed it. And these difficulties are to be
escaped only by ceasing to denounce, divide, and experiment
with new organizations; and by charitably uniting in, and
cherishing the natural Union which love to Christ begets, and
which was beautifully illustrated in the first thirty years of our
history.

God be praised, that these truths are becoming appreciated by
our people, and that a reaction in favor of peace and order and
devotion to the spiritual, rather than the external and carnal,
has commenced. May the rising light increase and blaze into
the perfect day, and God's Spirit come back and baptize all our
churches with new life and love.

CHAPTER VI-

EDUCATIONAL MEASURES AND INSTITUTIONS.

The enterprising, intelligent and pious settlers of the West-
ern Reserve, early manifested a deep solicitude for the edu-
cation of their youth. As soon as settlements were large
enough, little schools were collected and the best available
teachers employed.

Very soon the attention of the people, particularly of the
ministers and pious families, was directed to the establishment
of an institution of a higher order than the common school.
Through the efforts of some of these men, who had at heart
ultimately the establishment of an institution adequate to the
preparation of young men for the ministry, an act was passed by
the Legislature of Ohio, on the 16th of April, 1803, '^ incor-
porating the Trustees of the Erie Literary Society." These
Trustees were, David Hudson, Eliphalet Austin, Henry Cham-
pion, John Leavitt, Martin Smith, Ephraim Root, Harmon
Canfield, John Walworth, John S. Edwards, William Hart,
Turhand Kirtland, Solomon Griswold and Rev. Joseph Badger.
The act of incorporation gave them power to hold property,
20* (233)

234 The Plan op Union.

ereot buildings for a College or Academy, determine the name
of the Institution, purchase apparatus, employ instructors, i.e.
President, Professors, Tutors, &c.; have a common seal, and fill
their own vacancies.

But the country was yet too new and the settlers too limited
in resources to proceed very fast with such a project. The
Trustees met but seldom, and for many years confined their
efforts to the attainment of a fund adequate to start the insti-
tution.

February 19, 1810, the Legislature added Eleazer Hickcox
and Peter Hitchcock to the Board of Trustees. No regular
records were kept until November 13, 1816. At that time, a
meeting was held at "Warren. From the minutes of that meet-
ing it appears that T. Kirtland was President of the Board
and J. Leavitt Secretary. Messrs. Edward Leavitt and Wal-
worth had died, and Mr. Tomlinson, Kev. Luther Humphrey
and Rev. John Seward were appointed in their places. Peter
Hitchcock was appointed Secretary, and continued to discharge
the duties of the office as long as the Board continued to act.
At the same meeting, Messrs. Canfield and Smith resigned,
and Rev. Wm. Hanford and Benjamin Whedon were elected
in their places.

April, 1817, the Board appointed committees from their
own number, to solicit donations. The enterprise now as-
sumed a more religious aspect. August 22, 1817, Eleazer
Hickcox was appointed agent to take care of the real estate
belong to the Corporation, and D. Hudson was associated with
him, with power to lease the real estate for any time not to
exceed twenty years. The Secretary was directed to apply to

Fducational Institutions. 235

the Legislature for a remission of taxes, penalties and interest
due upon the lands of the Corporation.

January 23, 1818, an act was passed ''exempting from tax-
ation the lands of the Erie Literary Society." In the fall of
1817, the Trustees voted to *' erect a building in the township
of Burton, for the use of the Corporation,'^ &c. Voted also
*' to appoint a committee of five to examine what number of
scholars can be procured for the ensuing winter, and if a suffi-
cient number offer, to employ an Instructor, provided a suita-
ble person can be found."

The year 1817 also gave birth to another educational move-
ment, designed to co-operate with the institution, to be started
at Burton.

The Grand River Presbytery, at a meeting in Austinburg,
February 12, 1817, organized itself into an Educational So-
ciety, to be known as the Grand Rive?' Education Society.

In 1818, the Prudential Committee of this Society, in the
name of the Trustees, published in pamphlet an '' Address,"
commending the objects of the Society to the *' friends of
Science and Religion," earnestly soliciting co-operation by in-
dividuals and by ''Auxiliary Societies." At this time, they
reported that they had two beneficiaries under their care, and
that " other pious youth were intending to apply as soon as
opportunity should be presented."

June 14, 1819, the Trustees of the Erie Literary Society
appointed a committee of two, with discretionary power to sell
the real estate of the Corporation, or to lease it for a term not
exceeding ninety-nine years.

Also, a committee to collect and appropriate funds for th e

236 The Plan OP Union.

completion of the building, so that a school might be com-
menced by the first Monday of November, 1819. Also, a
committee to prepare rules and a course of education for the
school. The course of study adopted, comprised Reading,
Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, Elocution, Logic,
Belles Lettres, Latin, Greek, Mathematics, and any other
branches usually taught in the Literary Institutions of New
England." Textbooks were prescribed; and it was specified
that the Principal should be a graduate of some American
College.

The dedication of the building was appointed to take place
on the second Tuesday of November, 1819. Rev. J. Seward
was requested to preach a sermon upon the occasion.

April 11, 1821. The committee were instructed to employ
Mr. David Coe as Principal. Thus, at last, the institution was
fairly started.

But the Burton School did not long flourish. The place
soon obtained the reputation of being sickly; and this, with
rival claims that started up in other places, and various other
causes, contributed to operate against it, and eventually to di-
vert the funds of the Corporation to another place.

In 1822, a movement was started which eventually resulted
in the founding of the Western Reserve College, at Hudson.
The following account of this movement is extracted from a
report presented by Mr. Seward, in behalf of the Trustees of
the College, in 1835 :

In January, 1822, a communication from Rev. Mr. Bayley, of New
Castle, Maine, upon the importance of a united effort by the minis-
ters in this region (the Reserve) to establish an institution for the

Educational Institutions. 237

purpose of educating pious young men as pastors for our destitute
churches, was laid before a meeting of ministers belonging to the
Presbyteries of Grand River and Portage, which bodies included the
whole of the Reserve, with the exception of a few townships in the
south part of Trumbull County. The members of the meeting, after
mature deliberation, resolved to embrace the first opportunity for pre-
senting the subject to their respective Presbyteries. The business
was presented to each of the Presbyteries at their next stated meet-
ing ; and resulted in the appointment of a joint committee, consisting,
from the Grand River Presbytery, of the Rev. Messrs. G. H. Cowles,
and H. Coe, with George Swift, Esq., and from Portage Presbytery,
of Rev. Messrs. J. Seward, J. Treat, and Elizur Wright, Esq.

This committee was directed to meet at Warren, Trumbull Co., on
the 16th of April, 1822, to devise ways and means for establishing on
the Connecticut Western Reserve, a Literary and Theological Institu-
tion. The afternoon of the day preceding the meeting of this com-
mittee, was, by the recommendation of the Presbyteries, observed as
a concert of prayer by the churches, that the blessing of God might
attend their deliberations and lead to a happy result. Thus did the
Presbyteries take hold of this business, and at the same time take
hold of the arm that moves the universe.

At the joint meeting of the Presbyteries, on the 30th of the same
month, the report of this committee was adopted, and a Board of
Managers of the Education Fund, consisting of four from each Pres-
bytery, was immediately appointed. Exertions were made to raise
funds, and several pious young men were soon taken under the pat-
ronage of the Board.

After about two years, it became evident that measures must be
taken to fix on a plan for the permanent location of the contemplated
Institution.

During this time the Presbytery of Huron was organized, covering
the four Western Counties on the Reserve. To preserve harmony
among the ministers and chuixhes, and as far as practicable give gen-

238 The Plan of Union.

real satisfaction, it was recommended to each of the three Presbyte-
ries, to appoint four commissioners, to constitnte a Board to locate
the Institution. This was accordingly done, and the following were
appointed, viz : by the Presbytery of Grand River, G. H. Cowles,
Harvey Coe, A. Oriswold, and E. Austin, Jr.; by the Presbytery of
Portage, John Seward, Joseph Treat, Lemuel Porter, and J. H. Whit-
tlesey ; by the Huron Presbytery, A. H. Betts, L. B. Sullivan, S.
Cowles, and D. Gibbs.

This Board attended several meetings at different places, on the
business for which they were appointed.

Of course much feeling and anxiety were exhibited by dif-
ferent towns to secure the College. Burton, Aurora, Euclid,
Cleveland and Hudson were prominent amongst the competi-
tors. " It was found difficult, at so early a period in the set-
tlement of the country, to fix upon the most eligible spot."

Finally, however, '' at the last meeting of the Board, which
was held at Euclid, in January, 1825, they decided to locate
the Institution at Hudson, Portage Co.," in consideration both
of the liberal donation of lands by Esquire Hudson, and the
supposed favorableness of that locality for such an Institution.
Having made this decision, they mounted their horses, rode to
Hudson, selected the site, and drove a stake on College Hill,
to the joy of the Hudsonians, and the mortification of some
other people.

'' After the location of] the College, the business of the In-
stitution went into the hands of twelve persons, four of whom
were appointed by each of the three Presbyteries then existing
on the Reserve. These persons were thenceforth denominated
The Board of Trustees of the Western Reserve College. In
1826, they were incorporated by the Legislature, and held their

Educational Institutions. 289

first meeting under the Charter, on the first of March, 1826."
The corner stone of the first College edifice was laid oa
Wednesday, the 26th of April, 1826.

The Trustees, elected in 1826, were David Hudson, Elizur
Wright, J. B. Sherwood, Rev. J. Seward, Rev. C. Pitkin,
Hon. H. Brown, Rev. S. Woodrufi", Zalmon Fitch, Rev. B.
Fenn, Harmon Kingsbury, George Swift, S. I. Bradstreet and
Rev. H. Coe.

The first permanent College Professor was the Rev. C. B.
Storrs, elected Professor of Christian Theology, March 2,
1828, and inducted into the office on the third of December
following. Previous to this, "about twenty istudents had been
collected under the care and instruction of a Tutor. From
the time of Mr. Storrs' connection with it, the institution, un-
der his judicious and energetic management, advanced more
rapidly."

In October, 1828, the Trustees of the Burton Academy
transferred the endowment of that Institution to the College,
and the endowment was constantly enlarged by donations, so-
licited for the most part by the agent, Rev. C. Pitkin.

On the 25th of August, 1830, Mr. Storrs was elected Pres-
ident of the Institution, and inaugurated February 9, 1831.
The duties of this responsible station he discharged with great
fidelity and success until his death, which occurred on the
15th of September, 1833. This was a severe blow to the In-
stitution, coming at a time when other difficulties were already
gathering around it.

It was from the beginning, the determination of the Trus-
tees to make the Institution one of the very highest order in

240 The Plan of Union.

literary and scientific instruction ; and to exclude from it all
political or sectarian peculiarities. They were determined
never to mount a popular hobby in order to gain notoriety and
favor. This policy, the only true policy upon which to found
an institution of the kind, they have ever firmly adhered to,
but not without great trials and opposition.

When the exciting anti-slavery controversy began upon the
Reserve, it could not but happen that an institution which as-
sumed a neutral position, and confined itself to its appropriate
duties, should be regarded with jealousy by excited controver-
sialists. Nor could men of a single idea, and crazy upon that,
understand how those, who had the culture and training of the
young, could be guiltless of slavery, and gag law, and suppres-
sion of the truth, if they did not introduce abolitionism as a car-
dinal element into their course of instruction. Hence arose a
violent agitation, in opposition to the College, which resulted
in breaking up the Faculty, alienating the excitable portion of
the ultra anti-slavery element of the Reserve, and circulating
many false and injurious statements relative to the manage-
ment of the Institution.

The manual-labor system was adopted and maintained for
several years, at Hudson ; proving, as in most other cases, a
sinking business, and a failure.

The primary object of the Institution was to educate young
men for the ministry. Hence the early appointment of a Pro-
fessor of Theology, and the early establishment of a complete
Faculty of Divinity.

Yet, the liberal minded founders of the Institution aimed
at no merely partial, professional system of education; but,

Educational Institutions. 241

with a careful regard for all the intellectual interests of society,
determined to afford facilities for the most thorough, men-
tal culture, and discipline of all the faculties of the mind.
The course of instruction adopted in the Collegiate department
was substantially the same with that of the best eastern Col-
leges. The classics, and higher mathematics, as well as the
natural sciences, have always received strict attention and tho-
rough study. While at the same time, it has been the aim to
exert such moral and religious influences over the students as
should fit them for the highest usefulness and honor both for
time and eternity.

In 1834, Rev. George E. Pierce, D. J)., was inaugurated as
President of the Institution, and entered upon his duties with
such vigor, perseverance, and large views, as rapidly advanced
it, in both its literary interests and material resources.

Yale College was the model upon which the President and
his co-laborers aimed to form the growing Institution, and no
efforts nor expense were spared to realize, as fast as possible,
the high ideal.

Within a few years the curriculum was brought up to the
Yale standard, and a Faculty secured, which, for thorough
scholarship and professional ability, has probably never been
equaled by any other western Institution. In his choice of
Professors, the President exhibited a sagacity and success un-
surpassed. At the same time, the most vigorous efforts were
prosecuted to secure an endowment adequate to support the
Faculty employed. In this enterprise. President Pierce la-
bored long, and with a patient fortitude and self-denial seldom
equaled. And though, from the nature of the case, success

242 The Plan oi' Union.

came slowly, the project was not abiuidoned until pledges were
secured adequate to place the Institution upon an independent
and efficient basis.

But while this effort was in progress, it was only by the
greatest self-denial and difficulty that the Institution was en-
abled to hold upon its way. Seldom have pioneers in any en-
terprise experienced severer trials and privations than the
members of that Faculty.

In order to secure an endowment and sustain the Professors,
the President was compelled to do what no President of such
an Institution ought to do, become a financial agent, and de-
vote himself mainly to out-door work. This President Pierce
did, with praiseworthy self-denial, yet greatly to his own detri-
ment. For in this way he became known to the peeple chiefly
as a solicitor of funds, and was necessarily almost a stranger to
the students, and so failed of the affection and s} mpathy which
would have been secured, could he have devoted himself to his
appropriate functions.

Nor was it strange that the Professors living so long upon
half rations, with tempting offers before them, from eastern
Institutions, should at length have grown restive.

Other causes may also have operated to produce that most
unfortunate alienation among the Faculty, Trustees, and, at
length, friends generally of the Institution, which, at the very
moment when the endowment was considered secured, scat-
tered the Faculty and students, caused the suspension of the
Theological Seminary, and well nigh broke up the College.

As in all similar difficulties, there were true friends of the
Institution on each side, and errors on each side. And we

F D U C A T I 0 N A L INSTITUTIONS. 243

are now only interested to know that the controversy is ended,
and that the Institution again gives promise of being what it
should be. President Pierce retired in 1855, recommending,
with his usual sagacity, a successor who enjoys the confidence
and respect of all. President II. L. Hitchcock, D. D., finds the
Institution in much better condition than did his predecessor.
May he succeed in completing the structure for which so
broad a foundation has been laid. President Pierce will be
remembered with gratitude and respect, for his successful ef-
forts in securing an endowment and a first class literary re-
putation for the Institution. The large classes of thorough
students graduated between the years 1840 and 1850, are
standing indices of the high character and position which the
College assumed during his administration.

Western Reserve College, like all valuable products, and
institutions that aim to elevate and form public sentiment,
rather than pander to popular prejudices, grows slowly and
amid difficulties. But its course is upward ; and when other
fast institutions shall be viewed according to their true merits,
in the light of a higher general culture, this will more and
more be esteemed and resorted to by those who seek thorough
and compressive education.

The following statistics show the porgress of the College
during President Pierce's administration :
The Catalogue of 1835 showed a President, four Professors and one

Tutor.

Faculty. Theol Stud'ts. Seniors. Juniors. Sophomores. Freshmen.
1835 G 3 5 8 7 14

1842 11 20 9 13 16 19

1848 12 22 13 17 13 14

244 The Plan or Union.

The whole number of Alumni in 1848, was 153 ; and of these, 43
had entered the ministry.

An efficient Preparatory Department or Classical Academy has also
been constantly maintained.

A Medical Department was also organized at Cleveland, in 1844,
which yearly graduates very large classes.

OBERLIN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.

The Hudson Institution was the offspring and organ of the
Churches embraced in the Plan of Union.

The dissenting and radical Congregationalists of the region,
also originated an Institution to represent their peculiar views
of theology, education and social philosophy. In this effort,
they were much more successful than in the establishment
of ecclesiastical bodies ; yet, by dividing the educational inter-
ests, resources and sympathies of the Reserve, they caused two
half fed institutions to struggle for a subsistence, where there
should have been one, efficient and well endowed.

The principal agent in establishing the new Institute, was
the Rev. J. Shipherd. Five hundred acres of land were con-
ditionally pledged for the Institution, by Messrs. Street and
Hughes, of New Haven, Conn. Upon this land the College
buildings now stand.

In the winter of 1832, a voluntary Board of Trustees held
their first meeting, in a small Indian encampment, upon the
chosen site, which was otherwise a dense, unbroken forest.
The land was level and wet, almost inaccessible by roads, and
the prospect for a settlement forbidding in the extreme.

" The requisite surveys having been made, the first tree was
felled March 15, 1833, by P. P. Pease. April 3, he came on

Educational Institutions. 245

with two iiiou. Ax iu hand, they cut a road for their ox-
wagon, throiiuh the forest, fixed their home on the south-east
corner of the public square, leaned some boards upon a pole,
resting upon forked posts, built their watch fires, and here,
surrounded by owls and wolves, they spent their nights." A
cabin was soon built, into which Mr. Pease moved his family;
and thus began the Oberlin Colony.

The name, Oberlin, was adopted from regard to the memory
of Rev. J. F. Oberlin, a benevolent minister of Waldbach,
Switzerland, who died in 1826.

Other families soon arrived, zealous to engage in the work
of building up the new Institution. Religious services and a
Sabbath School were, at first, held under the trees, upon the
spot where the Church now stands.

Oberlin Hall was erected during the first summer, and in
December, 1883, a school was opened by a Mr. Scoville, from
the Western Reserve College, having forty scholars.

A Charter, with University privileges, was obtained in the
winter of 1883-4. Permanent instructors arrived in May fol-
lowing. They were, Professors Waldo and Dascomb, and Mr.
Daniel Branch, with their wives. President Mahan came in
the Spring of 1835 ; in June of the same year. Professors
Finney and Morgan, and, later. Professor Cowles. The first
College class was organized in October, 1834, consisting of
four members ; this class grew to twenty-eight, who graduated
in 1838. In 1835, an advanced class of four members en-
tered, who graduated in 1837. The year 1835 was one of
great en)ar<rement. The buildings were hurried forward un-
der great difficulties, and at great expense.
21^

246 The Plan op Union.

The character and peculiarities of the Institute may be
gathered, in part, from the fnllowing published statement of

THE OBJECTS OP THE INSTITUTION.

1. To educate youths of both sexes, so as to secure the development
of a strong mind in a sound body, cnnoected with a permanent, vigor-
ous, progressive piety ; all to be aided by a judicious system of manual
labor.

2. To beget and to confirm in the process of education, the habit of
self-denial, patient endurance, a chastened moral courage, and a de-
vout consecration of the whole being to God, in seeking the best good
of man.

3. To establish universal liberty by the abolition of every form of
sin.

4. To avoid the debasing association of the heathen classics, and
make the Bible a text book in all the departments of education.

5. To raise up a church and ministers who shall be known and read
of all men, in deep sympathy with Christ, in holy living, and in effi-
cient action against all which God forbids.

6. To furnish a Seminary, affording thorough instruction in all the
branches of an education for both sexes, and in which colored persons,
of poth sexes, shall be freely admitted, and on terms of equality and
brotherhood.

The Institution, planted upon this basis, soon became the
peculiar favorite of a large class of people, and the object of
distrust, grief and abhorrence to another class.

Taking a prominent position in the varied social reforms
that occupied the public attention, and particularly in the
anti-slavery agitation; and at the same time making very
prominent some doctrinal peculiarities that are rejected by
most of the Presbyterians and Congregationalists of the coun-

Educational Institutions. 247

try ; and assuming an aggressive attitude tow£vd tbe chu'- -lies
in connection with the Presbyteries of the Reserve, which led
in many cases to divisions and strife; it was not strange that
Oberlin soon attained a very extended notoriety. The con-
ceited Young Americanism of the students, most of whom
went abroad as imitators of the leading Professors, and zeal-
ous propagandists of their sentiments; Graham dietetics; and
the poculiar respect shown to negroes, added to their notoriety.

The opposition made to the Greek and Latin Classics, and
the consequent light esteem in which those languages were
held, at one time came nigh destroying the Institute, by a
withdrawal of its Charter. But it is believed that the radical
and eccentric features of the Institution, have been considera-
bly modified. That it has accomplished very much for popu-
lar education cannot be doubted ; though it is questioned
whether the students have generally attained that thorough
mental discipline which a College should afford.

It has been called the '' People's College ;" and it is such,
in that it has entered largely into the sympathies, and brought
itself down to the sentiments, and intellectual standards, of
the community. And there can be no question, that this is
the way to secure speedy popularity in a western settlement.
Probably Oberlin is, on the whole, the best exponent of crude,
western society, that has yet appeared. It is a perfectly in-
digenous product of the Reserve; and could not fail to be
popular with the masses, particularly the radical portion, and
those who desire cheap education.

But is it the true mission of a College to popularize educa-
tion ; or to lower itself to the sentiments of a new and half-

248 The Plan op Union.

formed i^ociety ? Is it not rathtsr the object of such institu-
ti'-ns to erect a beacon, high above common standards, and to
endeavor to raise the s'entiments and educational standards of
the masses? Is a popularity desirable for such an institution,
which is won and held by sectarian, sectional, social, political,
or merely Theological peculiarities, and not by its known abil-
ity and facilities for securing the very highest mental disci-
pline, and literary and scientific attainments?

Acknowledging, therefore, the success of Oberlin, in win-
ning popular favor, and doing much for the education of the
youth of our c<Hintry; and admiring, also, the liberal senti-
ments and high moral tone of its Trustees and Faculty; ap-
proving, moreover, the philanthropic spirit manifested for the
colored portion of our citizens • the historian can not but re-
gret that they have not maintained a higher standard of intel-
lectual culture; and that they have made their social, denomi-
national, and political peculiarities so prominent as to alienate
most of the wholesome, conservative portion of society ; and
have sent forth so many conceited and noisy declaimers, and
so few thoroughly educated, substantial, working scholars.

At the same time, there is reason to believe that as society
improves, the policy of the Institution and its constituents will
be favorably modified ; indeed this has already been done to a
very encouraging extent. We will therefore rather hope for
what is to be done, than complain of what is not yet done.

It can not be regarded as otherwise than unfortunate that
two Colleges should have been started so near together, and
the feeble energies and limited resources of the friends of
sound education, have been divided ; and thus two weak and

Educational Institutions. 24ft

crippled institutions have been nursed along, instead of one
strong and well sustained College, that might have done far
more than many weak ones.

Will sects and parties and partizans ever learn to consult
the true interests of society, and exercise that mutual charity
and concession, without which there can be no eifective co-
operation and true progress in any of the great interests of
our race ?

Oberlin, as well as Hudson, has secured, of late, a comforta-
ble endowment, and we may hope will be still more liberally
patronized. There is, however, this difficulty : the endowment
obtained has been secured by selling scholarships at so low a
rate, that it is to be feared the number of students will greatly
exceed the facilities for instruction, necessitating either too
large classes, and inferior instruction, or the employment of
more instructors than the endowment will support.

The plan of raising endowments, by the sale of scholarships,
seems to be a necessary evil in founding Colleges in new coun-
tries. But the evil ought to be always reduced as much aa
possible, by putting the permanent scholarships high enough
to prevent the Institution from being burdened, and the value
of the instruction neutralized by an excessive influx of nom-
paying students.

The number of students at Oberlin has always been large,
particularly in the primary and preparatory departments, and
the female Seminary. The number of graduates and advanced
students, has been fair, though small compared with the whole
number on the Catalogue. The following statistics, as also
many of the preceding statements, are taken from an article in
the Oberlin Evangelist, published in 1853 :

250 The Plan of Union-

The first Theological classes were formed in 1835. They "were
Senior and Junior, thirty-five students.

The whole number of diiferent students from the beginning is

Young women 2,163

Young men 3,310

5,473
Of these, 137 completed a Theological course, 230 a College course,
109 the Ladies' course. Thirty-two ladies have graduated from Col-
lege. Of these, the first entered in 1837. Three graduated in 1841.
The proportion of ladies has been increasing since the second year.
The ratio is as follows :

1834 37 per cent. I 1339 33 per cent.

1835 26 " I 1843 37 "

1836 30 " 1848 40 "

1838 42 '' I 1852 45 ^'•

Of those who have completed a com-se of study, there have died —

Theological students 11

College 14

Ladies' Course 7

College Ladies 2

Of College graduates, 128 out of 198 have entered the ministry, or
are now studying for it, being sixty -five per cent.

Twenty -two are Professors in Colleges or Principals in High Schools.
Eleven have entered the profession of law, or are preparing for it.
Seven are medical practitioners or students.

Of the thirty-two Ladies who graduated from College, all are mar-
ried but five. Of these four are teachers, and one a public lecturer.
They are the more recent graduates.

Of the married, nineteen married ministers ; three, teachers ; two,
physicians ; one, an artist, and one a farmer.

Of the Board of Instruction, there have been twenty-nine holding
permanent appointments. Twelve of these are now on the ground.
All are living except two — Prof. Cochran and Mrs. Cowles. These
died after leaving their posts.

jE ij u ( A T I o N A L Institutions. 251

Twenty out of the twenty-nine pursued a part or the whole of the
cour.se of study here. This is true of eight out of twelve of the pres-
ent incumbents.

The Trustees arc. regularly twelve in number, besides the President
of the College. These have numbered thirty-seven. Four deceased.
Three of these were members of the original Board.

Thus have we traced the growth of the Prcsbyterial and Con-
gregational Church of the lleserve, till, with half a century's
growth, it has developed all the institutions and fair fruits of
a mature society.

The stranger who speeds along our many Eailroads, and
notes the numerous villages, each with church spires point-
ing heavenward, as exponents of the faith of an enterprising
Christian people ; who notices the thrifty farms and numerous
evidences of comfort and wealth and culture, will find it dij£-
cult to realize, that half a century ago, a few immigrants were
here struggling with poverty, wild beasts, and savages, in
dreary wildernesses : and Christians, contemplating the amaz-
ing changes of the time, despite all that we have found to
regret, can but exclaim — " The Lord hath done great things
for us, whereof we are glad."

CHAPTER VII

BENEVOLENT OPERATIONS.

MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF CONNECTICUT.

We have seen that the work of planting churches and sup-
porting missionaries on the Western Reserve, was begun and
prosecuted mainly by the Missionary Society of Connecticut.
That Society conducted its benevolent operations for many
years, without having any of its officers, or any auxiliary or-
ganization in Ohio. But in February, 1826, in accordance
with a recommendation of the Trustees, the missionaries upon
the Reserve met at Aurora, and organized themselves into an
auxiliary Board, '■'■ for the purpose of reducing to system, di-
recting and superintending the missionary operations of the
Reserve." Mr. Seward was appointed President and Mr.
Hanford Secretary of the organization.

The Reserve was then divided into three districts, in each
of which was a district Board, whose duty it was to superin-
tend the missionary operations of the district, receive quar-
terly reports from all the missionaries within it, and report to
the general Board. A committee of six, twc from each dis-
trict, were appointed to act during the recesses of the Board.

(252)

Benevolent Operations. 253

This general Board were, moreover, to act only aa the agents
of the Trustees of the xMissionary Suciet}' of Connecticut, re-
porting annually to them, and seeking counsel and co-operation
from them, relative to all important business.

This plan worked successfully for a few years, but in 1831
considerable dissatisfaction appeared in certain quarters, and it
began to appear that a general Board, composed of all the
missionaries, could no longer acceptably superintend the work.
In January, 1832, Mr. Hanford resigned the office of Secre-
tary to the Board ; in September following, Mr. Seward re-
signed that of President. Rev. Myron Tracy was appointed
Secretary, and Bev. G. H. Cowles, President.

The proposition was now entertained of appointing a Board
of Directors to superintend the operations of the Society, but
it was difficult to determine who should appoint them. The
Trustees referred the appointment to the missionaries, some of
them advocated the appointment of the Directors by the Synod
of the Western Reserve, others objected, and finally the Board
referred the matter back to the Trustees of the Society of
Connecticut.

The matter was satisfactorily adjusted in October, 1834,
when *' the Synod, at the request of the Missionary Society of
Connecticut, appointed six ministers and three laymen, to su-
perintend the operations of the Society on the Western Re-
serve.'^

At their first meeting, the Directors appointed Rev. J.

Treat, President, and Rev. Mr. Tracy, Secretary of the Board.

At the request of the Directors tht Trustees forwarded a series

of rules or instructions to the Board, which, with some addi-

22

254 The Plan or Union.

tions suggested by themselves, formed the basis of their action
ever afterward.

Under this policy, the Society quietly and efficiently prose-
cuted its mission, aiding feeble churches so far as applied, to,
within the limits of $1,800, until the year 1843, when the
amount was reduced to $1,200 per year.

The operations of the Home Missionary Society, however,
became so extensive upon this field, that in 1851 the Trustees
intimated a purpose to cease operations upon the Reserve, as
soon as the way should be clear, and expend their means upon
more destitute fields, further west. This design was executed
in 1853.

We take an affectionate farewell of the Society that planted
and nurtured the church of the Reserve, extending its foster-
ing aid over more than half a century of her history.

AMERICAN HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

In 1824, a society was organized to conduct Home Mission-
ary operations upon the territory covered by the Western Re-
serye Synod, which embraced Northern Ohio and Michigan. It
was called the Western Reserve Domestic Missionary Society.

In 1830, this Society catered into co-operation with the
American Home Missionary Society, which had been organ-
ized in 1826. The Rev. Daniel W. Lathrop, who was Secre-
tary of the Western Reserve Domestic Missionary Society, was
also appointed agent of the American Home Missionary So-
ciety, and efficiently conducted the Home Missionary opera-
tions of the region for several years.

In the year 1830, over fourteen hundred dollars were col-

Benevolent Operations. 25

lected .mil eight Mission.irie^ su^^taine 1 by this brinch Society;
and forty-six additional Missiouuries were supported by the
American Home Missionary Society.

The next agent of the American Home Missionary Society,
was Rev. O. P. Hoyt, who afterward took that part of the field
included in Michigan, when a separate agency was established
for that State.

Rev. W. F. Curry succeeded Mr. Hnyt, in the Reserve
Agency, occupying this field from 1839 to 1841.

The ecclesiastical difficuhies that arose between 1834 and
1840, and the organization of other Missionary Boards, greatly
interfered with and retarded the operations of the American
Home Missionary Society.

Rev. Myron Tracy first began to labor as Secretary of the
American Home Missionary Society in 1842, and as solicitmg
agent in 1843. His first Report, for the year 1842, shows
that the receipts were only five hundred and eighty dollars.
This was partly the result of an experiment to do without a
travelling and soliciting agent. During the last six months of
that experiment, only one hundred dollars were received from
the whole Western Reserve. The Society then requested Mr.
Tracy to visit the churches, as far as possible, and the result of
the first year's efi'ort was over two thousand dollars.

Under Mr. Tracy's judicious and indefatigable labors, the
receipts of the Society from this field, gradually increased from
year to year, until 1854, the last of Mr. Tracy's agency, when
the collections for this cause amounted to between five and six
thousand dollars. Considering the adverse influences brought
to bear against the American Hame Missionary Society, by

256 The Plan of Union.

what is called the " Free Mission" Advocates, the above result
is most gratifying • and speaks volumes both for the Society's
hold upon the churcheSj and for Mr. Tracy, its devoted and
successful agent.

Mr. Tracy literally wore himself out in this service. He
resigned his agency January 1, 1855; and died, beloved and
lamented, March 27, 1855.

The American Missionary Society, which represents what
we may call Missionary '^ Come-outerism," has operated^ to
some extent upon this field, particularly amongst the more
ultra anti-slavery communities; but to what extent, the writer
is not informed.

The greater part of the churches can not be alienated from
the American Home Missionary Society, either by ** Young
Presbyterianism,'' or " Young Congregationalism,^' or rabid
Abolitionism.

WESTERN RESERVE BRANCH OF THE AMERICAN EDUCATION
SOCIETY.

The American Education Society was organized in the year
1815, for the purpose of aiding pious young men in their pre-
paration for the ministry. This was done by donations to the
amount of seventy dollars per year, until 1826, when the So-
ciety adopted the principle of loaning the same amount with-
out interest, payable after entering the ministry, if circum-
stances should permit.

In October, 1829, the "Western Reserve Branch of the
American Education Society, was organized ; and the resolu-
tionadopted to support all the Beneficiaries of the Reserve

Benevolent Operations. 257

without drawing upon the Parent Society. Through the ef-
efforts of Rev. Ansel R. Clark, as agont of the general Society,
a very successful beginning was made.

Six applicants, students in the Western Reserve College,
received aid the first year, and collections were made to the
amount of $1,208 in cash, eighty dollars in obligations, and
large pledges of future contributions.

The effort met with great favor amongst the churches, as
appears from the fact that about thirty " auxiliary, female
sewing societies" were formed, and several auxih'ary agricul-
tural societies. The sewing societies did much in the way of
furnishing clothing and bedding to indigent students.

A very efficient auxiliary was organized in Michigan in 1830,
which contributed liberally for several years to the funds of the
Western Reserve Branch.

Mr. Clarke retiring from his agency at the close of the year,
the experiment was tried, in 1831, of working without an
agent ; the result was a reduction of contributions to $858 ; in
view of which, Mr. Clarke was prevailed upon to return again
to the work. For the next four years, from '32 to '36, the
Society prospered in all its interests; the contributions rapidly
increased, and the number of young men aided was constantly
enlarged; until in 1835, the sum collected amounted to
$3,682 ; and the number of young men aided was forty- four.

The results of Mr. Clarke's efforts in seeking out and en-
couraging pious young men to study for the ministry, were
very gratifying; and the impulse given to the general cause
by his energetic labors, was felt sever-^l years after his agency
terminated.

22*

258 The Plan of Union.

The failure of his health compelled Mr. Clarke to retire from
the service of the Society at the close of 1835.

During 1836, although the number of the beneficiaries in-
creased to 62, on account of there being no agent in the field,
the contributions fell from $3,682 to $1,529.

In 1837, the number of beneficiaries in this field rose to
99. In the Spring of 1837, Rev. Charles A. Boardman en-
tered upon an agency in behalf of the Society ; and in Septem-
ber following, the treasurer reported, at the annual meeting,
$3,750 received during the preceding year.

The Society afterwards employed Rev. D. C. Blood to act as
its agent, and continued to prosper both in collecting students
for the ministry and funds for their support, so long as his
agency was continued.

In 1842, however, through some bad policy, a determination
was formed to dispense with a regular agent ; and the Society
soon declined, and became at length virtually defunct. The
consequences have been disastrous. The Theological Semi-
nary dwindled ; and at present, almost nothing is done upon
this field for the cause of Ministerial Education. The church-
es are now only beginning to reap the rewards of this negli-
eence. But they will yearly feel, more and more, the misfor-
tune of importing ministers, and leaving their native vintage
uncultivated. An indigenous, native ministry is a first neces-
sity in every Christian community ; and it can only be secured
by working specifically for its production.

One of the most pressing duties now resting upon the Re-
serve Churches, is that of a vigorous, persevering effort to
oUect students for the ministry and funds for their support.

Benevolent Operations. 259

And all precedent proves that this cause, like every other,
to prosper, must have its agent, or pastor, whose time, talents
and labors shall be exclusively devoted to the work. That
miserly economy, which repudiates salaried agents, is simply
suicidal,

WESTERN RESERVE AGENCY OF THE AMERICAN BOARD 01
COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS.

Some of the early Missionaries upon the Western Reserve,
were persons who had once seriously thought of going into
the Foreign field ; and several of them were much interested
in the foreign enterprize. As soon, therefore, as the churches
began to get somewhat independent, they turned their atten-
tion to regions more destitute, and began to send little contri-
butions to the Foreign as well as the Domestic Board of Mis-
sions. Considerable donations of provision, clothing and cattle
were made to the Indian Mission on the Maumee.

As early as 1831 or 1832, Rev. Mr. Treat, of Windham,
made efforts for systematic contributions in Portage County;
and in 1833, the Western Reserve Synod '* resolved itself into
a Foreign Missionary Society, and made arrangements to have
an anniversary and an annual report at each annual meeting
of the Synod." Rev. H. Coe entered into the work as agent
for the cause at that time, devoting his whole time and
strength to the work. His field embraced, for many years,
Northern Ohio and Michigan ; and considering the compara-
tive infancy of the churches, and the numerous other objects
of Christian charity to which they contributed, the foreign
cause has received liberal patronage. Two thousand dollars

260 The Plan OF Union.

were collected during the first year of Mr. Coe's agency ; and
the contributions have been yearly increasing, till now they
reach nearly eight thousand dollars; although Michigan has
been for several years separated and managed by a distinct
agency. Notwithstanding the necessities of the Home field,
many ministers have also gone out from the Reserve into va-
rious parts of the world, so that our churches are represented
in almost every pagan nation where the American Board has
commenced operations. The diligent and devoted labors of
the Agent, and his earnest appeals in behalf of pagan nations,
contributed greatly to create and increase a missionary spirit in
the churches, and to direct the attention of pious young men
to the wants and woes of the Heathen.

Several adverse influences have been brought to bear against
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions,
in this region; and have probably somewhat reduced its con-
tributions ; though the agent and friends of the cause have
ever been able say — " They that be for us are more than they
that be against us.''

Many have opposed and decried the support of an agent,
and endeavored to throw reproach upon the Society for incur-
ring that expense. All experience, however, as well as rea-
son, indicates that no great and good cause can flourish and be
well sustained without its special advocates. The Missionary
cause needs its pastor as well as each local church ; and proba-
bly no class of men do more to diff'use information, arouse the
churches to liberal enterprize, and keep up the tone of pipty in
them, than the advocates of our benevolent Societies. When
we look over the world and see what the American Board or

Benevolent Operations. 261

Commiasioners for Foreign Missions, and kindred Societies Lave
accomplished, and reflect upon the fact that most of the means
necessary for this great work have been raised by agents, and
that many of the Missionaries were stimulated by their appeals
to go forth and carry the Gospel to the benighted, it becomes
a matter of thanksgiving to God that there are laborious men
willing to incur the unpleasant and thankless task of soliciting
funds and managing the business which falls to an agent; for
without their efforts the work would not be done.

The extreme anti-slavery sentiment of the day has also been
tried against the Society, and, in some quarters, with effect.
Those who can appreciate no means of reform that do not
consist largely in deunciation, excision and the Pharisaical
" stand aloof, I am holier than thou ! " those whose con-
sciences are so tender that they can not cast their mite into
a box where a Southern dollar may have fallen, lest it should
be polluted, when the box belongs to the Lord's treasury, (al-
beit they have no such scruple about using Southern coin and
products for their own emolument;) and those who would re-
form the South and free the slaves, by withdrawing from them
the missionary, and withholding the Gospel, and leaving self-
ishness and tyranny to work unrestrained; such nominal anti-
slavery men have decried the American Board of Commission-
ers for Foreign Missions as pro-slavery, and sought thereby to
cripple it. Intelligent and liberal minded anti-slavery men,
however, discover in this Gospel-giving Society one of the
great agents that is efficiently working for the overthrow of
all tyranny and oppression, both civil and spiritual, by diffus-
ing the Gospel of Christ and turning some of the capital that

262 The Plan of Union.

would Otherwise be employed to increase oppressi(^n, into be-
neficent, redeeming enterprizes, for the evangelization of both
bond and free.

And it argues well for the liberal and charitable spirit of the
body of our churches, that notwithstanding all the outcry and
counter organizations, and special pleading against the Ameri-
can Board, they are taking it closer to their hearts, and yearly
increasing their donations to its funds.

Extensive patronage has also been secured from this field
for the American Tract Society, and other leading beneficent
institutions, usually patronized by the Presbyterian and Con-
gregational Churches; respecting which nothing is here said.
Probably no part of the Western Country, representing the
same amount of capital, has done more for benevolent objects
during the last twenty-five years, than the Western Reserve.

953. £1

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
III' II I

0035520132

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4

6RI7TLE DO NOT'
PHOTOCOPY